(Roy Arida, Lebanon 2020, 78 mins, subtitles)
An unexpected delight filmed in the city and waters of Beirut. With black smoke billowing in the distance, tangles of traffic jams and relentless noise, the only time salesman and part-time diving instructor Alain feels at peace is during those moments he spends in the incredible calm of the underwater world. Seeking escape, he takes decides to risk everything on a challenge that could be life-changing. Going beyond character study into character immersion, Arida combines realism, adrenalin, beautiful underwater photography, social commentary and a romantic sub-plot to great effect, building the suspense whilst taking us into Alain’s sensitive inner world. Look out for the magical encounter with a giant manta ray.
"The camerawork is spot-on throughout, . . . highlighting the way perception can be altered in a heartbeat" Eye for Film
Saad el-din Wahba Award for Best Arabic Film - Cairo International Film Festival
GWYL FFILM “WOW” FILM FESTIVAL
This year’s theme is ‘Reflecting on Water’, an opportunity to dive more deeply into a series of films and events that reveal the different ways water touches the lives of people around the world. These watery stories from the Amazon, Lebanon, Iceland and Wales give time to pause and reflect on an element that is essential to life on Earth. And perhaps, to rethink our relationships with the rivers and seas that sustain us all.
16 Sep: The Last Forest
17 Sep: Under the Concrete
18 Sep: Lobster Soup
19 Sep: The Fairytale of Water (Event)
19 Sep: Voices From the Water (Event)
