How was this documentary project born?
Twenty years ago, walking on the cornice of Beirut, I saw a group of men in swimsuit, motionless, turned towards the sea, back to the city, as frozen in a strange lethargy. We were on a “public” beach in Beirut, a place nestled under the cornice and exclusively frequented by men. This meeting in 2003 inspired me a short film, The Blue Sea in Your Eyes.
Among these men, there were Reda. Twenty years later, I returned to this place and I was struck to find him, sitting exactly where I had filmed him, as if the time had hung. It was the starting point for the project. Later, I met Adel and Qassem…
Do you still live in Lebanon?
I share my time between Beirut and Paris. Navigating between these two cities allows me to keep a balance, both personal and professional. This is ideal for me.
Did you know you were going to film there?
Yes, it was obvious. All my films so far have been made in Lebanon, except Conversations with Sirowhich took place between Paris and Beirut.
How did the meeting with Mareterraniu go?
I met the producer Paul Rognoni thanks to Florence Jammot, who directed the documentary box L’Heure D on France 3, dedicated to author documentaries. And the fish fly above our heads is my second collaboration with Mareterraniu.
Have you benefited from the help of the Corsican community?
Yes, I had the chance to benefit from the support of the Corsican region for this project.
The film was presented in selection at the Vision du Réel festival, which was held from April 4 to 13. A culmination?
I am very happy that the film was able to make its world premiere at the vision of reality. It is a beautiful recognition. Especially since we received the Zonta Prize*.
Have you accompanied it in Switzerland?
Obviously ! I was looking forward to being present at this big festival and being able to share the film with the public. I wanted to accompany him but I also took advantage of being on site to discover the other films in the selection.
Do you have a new project?
Yes, I have a project in progress, but it is still too early to talk about it.
* The Zonta Prize is given to a director whose work reveals a master’s degree and a talent that call for support for future creations.
