Mazin Sherabayani

2015

From : London
To: Erbil

Myths and Legends of Mesopotamia

Cinema

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How did this grant contribute to the realization of your project in regard to artistic exchange, local cultural development and/or the promotion of cultural diversity?

This mobility happened when I was working on a documentary film project about the Myths and Legends of Mesopotamia and today’s situation in Iraq. The aim of the project is to cover the aspect of storytelling from old Mesopotamia to today Iraq and if Storytelling and myths be the common ground to bring all the ethnic minorities together and share some fundamental historical, cultural and geographical aspects where they can live once again in peace and understanding, particularly after the 2003 war. The trip was extremely beneficial for me to further the development of my documentary film project. This trip introduced me to new location, helped me to meet people from various backgrounds from artistic fields, cultural organizations to filmmaking and students in the fields of art and cinema. Meanwhile, I met some amazing people who where willing to help me in future to go back and produce the film. Their capacity as project manager, visual artists or cameraman should be an substantial cooperation. Moreover, the visit helped immensely to develop and change the idea as the real experience in the street and meet local people, talking and listening to their experience has helped the storyline to develop and become more organic that it was initially.

How does exchange, networking and international contacts contribute to the development of your artistic and cultural project?

The trip opened a new door to expand the concept of the project, to meet new people, to build a vital network which we become friends on social networks, and to update each other on daily bases about what to do further to bring the project to life and find extra money to fund it.

Can you elaborate on the learning and knowledge you have gained and shared throughout this experience?

Meanwhile, I learned new techniques of how to direct people during filming, listen to their stories, build a trusting connection with them and be flexible with their way of life which is slightly different from where I live currently, and respect their ideas, believes and vice versa.