1. Who is Zahra Alsamawi?
I am Zahra Alsamawi, living in Liverpool 2170. I have a bachelor degree of Film Production Studies from SAE Sydney. Now I am studying Masters of Media Arts and Production.
2. What has she been doing?
I really enjoy making films. Also film analysing so I watch lots of films and I love to read the director's intention of the filming shots and mise en scene in general. Plus I ask lots of questions about why this specific director chose this shot and what does he/she want to portray from this method of filming.
3. How do you approach directing a film like Abu Nawas Kingdom ?
I love art, colours, poetry, culture's symbols, Arabic calligraphy, and things that have meaning and history. That's why Abu Nawas Kingdom is approached in this way because I tried to make an animated artwork rather than a film!
4. What have you learned along the journey of making this film?
I can't believe how much I have learnt from the journey of making Abu Nawas Kingdom. The film was my major project back when I was studying my bachelor degree. When I was filming it, I had lots of obstacles but I took those obstacles as a tool to strengthen the film's output.
5. What do you hope people will feel or experience when they finally see the film?
Oh my god it will be my favourite moments when people finally see it, because I filmed it for them to see it so when it happens I will appreciate all their experiences and feedback. On the other hand I hope they have a good experience plus learn something from it and think more about war victims and immigration.
You can catch the Sydney program of the 2013 Arab Film Festival Australia at Parramatta's Riverside Theatre 27-30 June before it travels to Canberra and Melbourne in July.