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?
My trip to Malta with the support of the Valetta 2018 Mobility Grant was with a colleague and a fellow film Producer who received the Creative Tracks grant was to discover Maltese film culture and attend the 3rd Valetta Film Festival. We took the opportunity to network with directors, writers, and fellow filmmakers. During the first few days of the festival we met local directors and producers, who shared similar aspirations and dedication to their craft. Personally I was aiming to write a screenplay that took place between Kuwait and a foreign country, which will give chance to intercultural dialogue, especially with the genre of work that I’ve been working in for the past 3 years focusing on (sexuality and representation in Media). After meeting local filmmakers and discovering the Valetta I truly fell in love and found a deep connection with the landscape and the people, and as I was hoped for, I’m currently in talks with local Maltese artists on a film project that will take place between Malta and Kuwait.
How does exchange, networking and international contacts contribute to the development of your artistic and cultural project?
Having the opportunity to network with international artists who are working in various fields and mediums opens the possibility of collaboration with these artists, getting the chance to get support from various organizations in the world to work on a project. In my case as screenwriter networking with producers, directors opens the door for me to work in various international markets, with international filmmakers, which will open the door for the type of stories I write to reach a wide range of audiences/viewers. Sometimes as storytellers we get stuck in a circular narrative of writing for a specific market and at the end it does create stagnation; but working with artists who come from different cultures, countries, backgrounds can broaden the horizon of which we write and tell our stories.
Can you elaborate on the learning and knowledge you have gained and shared throughout this experience?
I’ve been to various film festivals, and artistic exchange programs, but my trip to Malta with the help of the RCF fund truly gave the opportunity to understand the intricate details of how the European film market works, how local filmmakers in Malta are truly collaborating with European producers to reach a wider platform to produce their projects. To be specific the project I’m developing takes place between Kuwait and Malta; with the knowledge I’ve gained through out this experience gives me the proper tools to take the next few steps to get the proper funding regarding production and distribution. Also this experience has given me hope that there are markets out their for small independent international films. For sure it is not easy, nor it is achievable with out a strong support network, but regardless there are ways to go about to get to produce such films.
Please indicate a link to your current work (website/facebook page)
(1) IMDB page: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm6684694/?ref_=nv_sr_2 (2) Links to some commercial work: (a) http://www.imdb.com/name/nm6684694/?ref_=nv_sr_2 (B)http://www.imdb.com/name/nm6684694/?ref_=nv_sr_2
