Karim Kassem on “Moondove”: A Story of Creative Resilience and the Magic of Improvisation

A Story of a Filmmaker’s Rebirth, Power, and Duty

Karim Kassem, the talented director of “Moondove” came to talk with me at the Cairo International Film Festival about his gripping new movie. “Moondove” is a docudrama about water, escaping, and the cyclical nature of life in a small Lebanese mountain village.

It wasn’t a smooth road for Kassem to make “Moondove”. He had to rewrite the script two weeks before production when his cinematographer and lead actress walked away. This put him in a spot of improvisation and led to the film about the “reincarnation” of the film itself.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Community

Filming in a remote village was its own challenges, with noisy ATVs and generators and little power. Such challenges did not stop Kassem from building a supportive community around his project. He emphasised how crucial it was to establish a relationship of trust with the locals, some of whom even were featured in the film.

Inspiration and the Power of Storytelling.

Calling on Kiarostami as his chief mentor, Kassem wrote of the film’s ability to ‘cross borders and reach out to humankind’. He thinks filmmakers should tell true stories, especially in periods of war and crisis.

A Plea for Humanity and a Cinematic Future?

When asked what he wanted for the future, Kassem highlighted a peace agreement in Lebanon and the reconstruction of war-torn communities. He also had encouraging words for young filmmakers: “Bear it out. Just do it…be fearless.”

Key Takeaways:

• Surprise yourself: Kassem’s “Moondove” experience teaches you that there’s nothing more important than surviving changes and making new ones.
• Trust: It is important to engage with the community – especially if working with non-actors and in an otherwise fragile space.
• Look for inspiration: Take your cues from the experts, but always have faith in your eyes.
• Tell real stories: Cinema can illuminate critical themes and bridge cultures.
• Do not be afraid: young filmmakers should do what they are doing, make something, and never stop trying.

“Moondove” is an affirmation of Kassem’s tenacity, ingenuity, and willingness to tell a story. It’s a movie that invites us to consider the cyclical nature of existence, the power of friendship, and the capacity of the human spirit to rise above difficulties.