AUS set to light up screen at 2024 MESA Film Festival in United States

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

Three films from American University of Sharjah (AUS), each carrying a powerful narrative that invites audiences to reflect and connect, have been selected for the prestigious 2024 Middle Eastern Studies Association’s (MESA) Film Festival, part of MESA’s 58th Annual Meeting (Nov. 11-16) in Washington, D.C. From the poignant struggles of a mother caught in the chaos of conflict, to the unsung heroes navigating the fast-paced world of urban life, to a thoughtful exploration of the World Cup’s chronicles, the films aim to reveal the raw, unfiltered realities of human experience.

‘Sarkha’, for instance, is a powerful voice for the voiceless. Based on a true story, it tells the harrowing and tenacious tale of a mother trying to protect her infant amid the devastation of an airstrike. Directed by AUS student Ayah Al-Muqbel alongside team members Dua’a Al-Saleh, Naaz Hasan, Aliya Ali, Jolie Ayyad and Bhairavi Pala, it is inspired by a real account from a book by Al-Muqbel’s grandfather, the renowned writer and poet Ibrahim Al-Muqbel, 88, a survivor of the Palestinian Nakba (“Catastrophe”) in 1948. “We chose to portray this story because it captures the suffering Palestinians have endured for over 76 years, and their resilience, continuing to this day,” said Al-Muqbel. “It’s a call for empathy and justice, a voice for the voiceless, shedding light on stories that are often left untold.”

Created as part of the MCM 39410 Digital Video Skills II course taught by Assistant Professor of Media Communication Dr. Bentley Brown, ‘Sarkha’ allowed students to refine their ideas and skills through a collaborative process. The film, which draws on themes of durability, survival and faith, tells the story through the lens of a mother fighting to protect her infant, Eman, amid terrifying chaos.

 Filmmakers of the AUS.

The name “Eman” - meaning “faith” - was chosen specifically for its symbolism. It affirms the strong belief in the Almighty, hardiness, and the fight for freedom that characterise Palestinian people, driven by their deep faith that one day, Palestine will be free.

Al-Muqbel said that the project presented significant challenges, from severe weather disruptions during filming, to managing complex special effects. But the dedication of the team saw everything through.

“Shooting amid challenging conditions such as the floods in the UAE tested our resolve; but the teamwork and perseverance of the crew made it possible,” said Al-Muqbel, who also took on the lead actor’s role, due to unexpected scheduling problems with the original actress.

‘An Unexpected Turn’ documents everyday heroes. In today’s fast-paced world, delivery drivers play a crucial role in keeping things going, helping people’s lives run smoothly. Recognising the vital contributions of these mostly unsung heroes, a group of Media Communication students from AUS made them the focus of their movie, a documentary that explores the challenges of delivery drivers. Created by Turki Al Mutairi, Shahd Mohamed, Shireen Abdelghani and Ashlyn Ferrao, the film was a class project for MCM 326 Content Creation for Integrated Marketing Communications, also taught by Dr. Brown.

“I noticed how important delivery drivers have become to urban life, yet their stories often go unnoticed,” said Al Mutairi, the film’s director. This realisation became the foundation for the group’s project. Initially, they found it challenging to engage the drivers in sharing their personal experiences. However, the filmmaking process itself took over, even as the drivers’ narratives were being captured.

The team’s goal was clear: to shine the spotlight on the hidden aspects behind the comforts many take for granted. “We want viewers to appreciate the hard work of those who make it possible for us to enjoy simple conveniences, like having food delivered,” said Al Mutairi. ‘An Unexpected Turn’ is a meaningful exploration of workers whose services are essential.

The course MCM 326 played a crucial role in shaping the film. “It taught us to focus on concept, context and aesthetic approach,” Al Mutairi underscored. ‘Set Pieces’, Dr. Brown’s own work which looks at global identity, has also been accepted for the festival.

Set amid the celebrations, controversies and global attention of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, ‘Set Pieces’ captures a story beyond the dribbling and goal line saves — it a narrative on what it means to witness a historic event in a place where cultures and identities converge. The film invites audiences to explore the dualities of joy and critique, connection and division, that characterised a monumental occasion.

“For me, the real story wasn’t just about the Western media’s focus on ‘sportswashing,’” said Dr. Brown. “It was about the exuberant, almost hysterical joy felt by people from around the world. I wanted to capture that energy, to explore how this event, held in a primarily Arabic-speaking, Muslim country, resonated on a global scale.” ‘Set Pieces’ is a thoughtful meditation on themes of national identity and global belonging.

Through the lens of the World Cup, it delves into the euphoria of attendees from across borders and political barriers, contrasting it with the narratives of labour and class that made the event possible. It is a continuation of the filmmaker’s broader exploration of identity — following in the footsteps of his previous films such as ‘Oustaz’ and ‘Behind the Sun’. Through ‘Set Pieces’, Dr. Brown hopes viewers will leave with more questions than answers — an invitation to think critically about the world. “A film is more interesting if it ends with a question rather than a conclusion,” he said.