Flickerfest 2019 - Gold (Guld)
While living in a Syrian bomb shelter, Amal and her two sisters make the best of their difficult circumstances. When Amal finds a piece of gold while exploring her battle-scarred surroundings, the consequences of her discovery reveal the fragile nature of their situation.
Interview with Writer/Director Abbe Hassan
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you! This story is inspired by something that happened to me during the war in Beirut. I found a gold chain and was incredibly happy – I could help my mother by selling it – but instead I was accused of being a thief and a lady claimed that it was hers. My mother gave in and gave it to her. That situation changed my life, nothing was safe anymore. Everyone was suddenly a threat. I was angry and sad. How could the lady we knew so well lie like that? Why did Mom give in to her? This experience has been with me my whole life so when the Syrian crisis happened it triggered many memories and feelings. I felt that I had to tell this story.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
War is ugly and there is no way to sugarcoat that. But there is hope in all the darkness, with hope there is life. I have tried to show this in an honest way, from a child’s point of view. I think it can be an eye opener if you haven’t experienced something like that and hopefully it leads to discussions and dialogues.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
This film is very personal but in the same way universal. There is something inspiring and pure with the children’s point of view on life and that’s something I think everybody can relate to and also want to preserve.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script was written by us adults but after we found our super talented cast, who - unfortunately - also had the same experiences as me, I rewrote it in close dialogue with the girls.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback has been overwhelming; the film has been received well by the audience and it has led to dialogues and discussions.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Yes. The amount of people who have been through the same thing as the characters is terrifying but the love and support we have got gives me a lot of hope for the future.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible onwww.wearemovingstories.com?
I am really impressed by your work so it would be great to be part of it, I hope the film will reach even more people.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
As an independent film maker, you are always looking for ways to spread your work for as many people as possible, so for this it would be great to reach out to more festivals and journalists.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
The film is – for me – about hope and our abilities to carry on with life in very dark situations. Life always finds a way, as long as you don’t give up on it.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
One obvious question will be thoughts and questions about war but I really think that it can start conversations about most aspects of life, such as trust and the value of life.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am working in a feature film with one of the characters from Gold, we will follow Amal’s journey to Europe in a modern “Leon”/ “Untouchables” type of film.
Interview: January 2019
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Gold
While living in a Syrian bomb shelter, Amal and her two sisters make the best of their difficult circumstances. When Amal finds a piece of gold while exploring her battle-scarred surroundings, the consequences of her discovery reveal the fragile nature of their situation.
Length: 18 min
Director: Abbe Hassan
Producer: Marcus Henricsson
Writer: Abbe Hassan, Ivica Zubak
About the writer, director and producer:
ABBE HASSAN was born in Beirut, Lebanon but moved to Älvsbyn in the North of Sweden at the age of 7. He has directed and written several short films. In 2016 he produced the critically acclaimed feature ”Måste Gitt”. He is now working on his first feature as a director
Key cast: Sherin Ammara (Amal), Narin Ammara (Rawan), Cedra Ammara (Sara)
Looking for: festival directors, journalists
Facebook: Abbe Hassan
Twitter: @abbehassan
Instagram: @abbehassan
Made in association with: produced by Indian Summer Film, co-production with Swedish Television (SVT), Chimney and Ljud & Bildmedia with support from the Swedish Film Institute/Andreas Fock and Film Stockholm/Filmbasen.
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? TBD