YOU ARE AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM, 8min., Qatar
Directed by Dimitri Yuri
Anne, an international photographer, is on a work assignment to capture the essence of visiting the National Museum of Qatar for a prestigious online media platform. Feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of work, yet intrigued by the opportunity to document the museum's treasures, Anne begins to immerse herself in the galleries. But little does she know that her encounter with the museum’s space will captivate her senses and transport her beyond the realm of reality, ultimately transforming her heart and mind.

Get to know the producer/writer Pascale Abou Jamra:

What motivated you to make this film?

As a Senior Producer for Qatar Museums, my directive was to create a film that would encapsulate the experience of visiting our national museum: the awe, the curiosity, and the magic of delving into a country's heritage. While wholly possible to do this in a direct way, I knew that I wanted to approach this task with creativity and emotion, which is how I came to the medium of dance.

Initially, this approach was inspired by an event that Qatar Museums Chairperson Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani conceived, which is the Festival in Motion last Fall during the World Cup period. I was really thrilled by the fact that the Chairperson wanted to bring movement and performance art into the country. Adding to that, I am passionate about dance and music, and I've always been fascinated by how we can generate vocabulary into body movement and organize it in a certain space. Hence I thought, "why don't we tell the story of the museum through dance and movement, and in this way, we can create this discussion and interaction of different art forms under one roof? We will witness different forms of art merging together, including architecture, dance, music, painting, sculpture, and film."

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

Almost 4 months.

How would you describe your film in two words!?

Immersive experience

What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

I faced a couple of challenges as the Producer and project lead for this film. One was, as a dance film, ensuring that the script and the performance lived up to the original vision, while still being culturally and religiously appropriate. Another major obstacle was filming inside the busiest museum in Qatar, and having a huge production crew and talent navigate around priceless objects and artifacts.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

It was incredibly meaningful. To hear firsthand from audiences, and feel that they genuinely understood the film's intention was a very moving experience. We wanted to reach audiences not just in a didactic or promotional way, but on an emotional level. Hearing this feedback made it clear to me that we achieved that goal, and it warmed my heart!

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

It was after doing my first film and seeing how it can affect people.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

This is the first time I experienced a festival that goes above and beyond to promote films. I really appreciate what your film festival is doing.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Smooth

10. What is your favorite meal?

I don't have one

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I've recently completed a project that holds a special place in my heart; a sort of companion piece to "You Are At the National Museum." This film is deeply meaningful to me as it explores the essence of Mathaf, Qatar's Arab Museum of Modern Art. It's a piece of work I'm eager to share, especially through Qatar Museums' platforms in the upcoming weeks. Living here in Qatar, and working at Qatar museums fills me with immense pride to showcase the rich tapestry of art, culture, and heritage that this country embodies. Through the medium of film and storytelling, I feel privileged to contribute to this narrative, doing what I love the most.

Simultaneously, I'm nurturing a feature film script related to my home country Lebanon, a project I hold close to my heart, hoping that one day it will come to fruition.
I'm driven to continue making impactful films and to delve into the emotional core of storytelling. And with each film, I hope to inspire others to explore the depth of the world around them. Moments like being recognized at the Style, Fashion, and Experimental Film Festival serve as reminders of why I've chosen this path.