ETERNAL LINES: William Shakespeare’s Verse in Music and Motion., 5min., USA
Directed by Yazan Al-Hajari
Eternal Lines: William Shakespeare’s Verse in Motion and Music” is the second part of a series where I delve into Shakespeare’s vast Canon, handpicking songs and sonnets that resonate deeply with me. I’ve woven these pieces into a narrative that, while personal in selection, unveils a connected story, reflecting the universal themes and emotions Shakespeare so masterfully depicted. This project is a heartfelt tribute to the timeless beauty of Shakespeare’s poetry, crafted with deep admiration for his poetic genius. While delving into Shakespeare’s poetry, my goal was not only to breathe new life into these classic texts but also to capture and reflect my own emotional journey as I navigated through the myriad of themes and expressions found in his work. Through a fusion of original music, captivating AI and real footage and visuals, and immersive sound design, I’ve endeavored to present Shakespeare’s poetry in a contemporary light, offering a fresh perspective that honors the essence of his work while inviting modern audiences to experience its magic anew.

https://yazanalhajari.com/
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Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

My drive to create this film sprung from the enchanting layers within Shakespeare’s poetry—their timeless beauty and the myriad interpretations they invite. Each sonnet, with its rhythmic musicality and vivid imagery, became a cornerstone for the film’s narrative and aesthetics. This project was more than an academic endeavor; it was a personal voyage into the heart of these verses, exploring their resonance within my own life and experiences.

The process was two-fold: a devoted study of Shakespeare’s sonnets to honor their original spirit, coupled with a deeply personal journey to discover their significance to me. This wasn’t just about bringing academic analysis to life; it was about letting these verses breathe and speak through my creative lens, intertwining Shakespeare’s insights with my own. In essence, this film was fueled by a blend of fidelity to Shakespeare’s work and my introspective engagement with his poetry, striving to create a visual experience that is as rich and multifaceted as the sonnets themselves.

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

Allow me to tell you a short story I once came across: A young artist presented his work to a seasoned master, who was impressed by the piece. Proudly, the young artist mentioned it took only two days to complete. The master then inquired about the artist’s age, to which he responded, “Twenty-five.” The master insightfully remarked, “Then, it took you 25 years to create this work” This narrative profoundly resonates with me, highlighting that the journey of artistic creation is imbued with one’s entire life experiences, learnings, and explorations. The actual act of creating might unfold over days, months, or even years, but the true essence of the work embodies a lifetime of curiosity, inspiration, and the relentless pursuit of meaning. In the context of this project, the preparatory phase involved meticulous research into Shakespeare’s verse and spanned only two months. So, to give an actual answer: two months—and this way, I avoid telling you my age!

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

“Shakespeare’s Synesthesia”

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

Navigating the profound depths and timeless nature of Shakespeare’s poetry presented the most significant challenge in the creation of this film. The responsibility to honor such rich, immersive, and multifaceted verses was one I embraced with great care and reverence. The complexity of the poems, with their myriad interpretations and controversial themes, demanded a thorough understanding and deep study.

The process involved an immersive exploration of the imagery and musicality inherent in the poetry, seeking thematic connections that resonated on a personal level while remaining true to the essence of Shakespeare’s work. This initial phase of rigorous study and contemplation was crucial, yet it was equally important to then set aside this analytical approach, allowing for a more intuitive and personal engagement with the poems.

Visualizing Shakespeare’s verses meant finding a balance between scholarly understanding and personal interpretation, crafting a visual narrative that could, in some way, live up to the original’s richness and complexity. The biggest obstacle, therefore, was not just the interpretation of the poetry itself but translating its multifaceted beauty into a visual medium that felt authentic and convincing, even if only to satisfy my own artistic standards at that moment.

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

Watching the audience feedback was deeply touching and affirming. The positive responses and the connection the film made with viewers filled me with gratitude. It was a reminder of the power of art to resonate and connect. Additionally, the experience heightened my appreciation for the festival's role in promoting diverse creative expressions and the organizers' commitment to celebrating culture and the arts. Their efforts in creating a platform for artists are truly impactful, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to share my work and see its effect on the audience.

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

My journey to filmmaking was unexpected. Rooted in music and the visual arts, I never initially saw myself as a filmmaker. Early short film projects in college were just personal explorations. It was only recently that I recognized filmmaking's potential to integrate my diverse artistic interests into one medium. This realization came from a need to express myself in a way that combined music, visual storytelling, and narrative in a collective, cinematic experience. This epiphany wasn't a sudden decision but a natural progression from my background in music and the arts, leading me to embrace filmmaking as the ultimate canvas for my creative expression.

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

I often find myself rewatching films I really love, diving back into their worlds repeatedly. Any classics from Hitchcock to Kubrick, and Some of my go-to’s include “The Pianist” by Roman Polanski, “Amadeus” by Milos Forman, and “The Matrix.” These films just have a way of pulling me back in again and again. and anything Shakespeare.

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

I think you guys are doing great already, but this is a great question, I can still provide an answer .

Enhancing networking, feedback sessions, and visibility are crucial for filmmakers, who often invest years into their projects with limited recognition. Offering platforms for exposure and interaction, along with constructive criticism from peers and audiences, supports their hard work. Recognition through awards and grants, even symbolic, can be highly motivating. Emphasizing diversity in creative and intellectual approaches enriches the festival and acknowledges the varied efforts and perspectives in filmmaking. These elements are essential in valuing the dedication behind every film.

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

Using Film Freeway for the submission process was absolutely great. It’s such a smooth and efficient platform, which feels revolutionary compared to the days of mailing physical tapes. It’s great to see the festival leveraging these modern tools to streamline the experience for filmmakers.``

10. What is your favorite meal?

Spaghetti, but honestly, it’s best served with a side of a great movie. Nothing beats that combo for me!

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

Next up, I’m excited to continue with ‘Eternal Lines of Shakespeare,’ this time drawing from ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ In addition, I’m working on several musical orchestral pieces. Plus, I’m nearing completion on a short documentary series called ‘Synchrony.’ It delves into the intricate relationship between music and films, charting the history and impact of soundtracks and scores from cinema’s inception to today