Ali Yahya's Beneath Which Rivers Flow follows this deeply affecting journey, exploring themes of environmental crisis and the human cost of ecological change. Yahya reveals his vision and the challenges he overcame in bringing this powerful story to the screen.
AM: How did your initial observations of the marsh community and your encounter with Ibrahim evolve into the narrative of Beneath Which Rivers Flow?
Ali Yahya: A commercial shoot provided an entry point. Observing the community's relationship with their environment and their avoidance of the camera initially made me think about the impact of outside influences on their lives and identities. Then meeting Ibrahim, with his unique presence and subtle resistance, shifted the focus towards the individual within the larger context. This encounter allowed me to explore a universal theme – the resilience of individuals in the face of external pressures - through a specific, yet representative story.
AM: Can you elaborate on the social and environmental obstacles you encountered during production, and how did you overcome the limitations of a smaller budget?
Ali Yahya: Socially, gaining the trust of the reserved marsh community required patience, understanding, and a sincere effort to demonstrate that this film wouldn't exploit them but represent their lives authentically. Environmentally, the marshland itself posed many challenges: accessibility, the equipment needed to film in that environment, etc. Our limited budget meant making do with available resources, using creative solutions to overcome logistical and technical limitations.
AM: How did you work with Ibrahim, given that he wasn't a professional actor and that he had some mental health challenges?
Ali Yahya: Working with Ibrahim was a unique and delicate process. He wasn't an actor, and his mental health impacted his ability to follow instructions. My approach was to let the film organically grow around him, patiently waiting for authentic moments that captured his personality and the essence of the story rather than forcing a particular performance. I tried to create an environment where he felt comfortable expressing his experiences.
AM: You describe Ibrahim as representative of a generation facing specific struggles. In what ways does Beneath Which Rivers Flow go beyond a personal story to become a commentary on the societal challenges facing your region?
Ali Yahya: While Ibrahim's story is personal, it speaks to a broader reality. The film reflects the challenges faced by many in the region: environmental degradation, economic hardship, and the pressure to adapt in a rapidly changing world. This generation struggles with the tension between preserving their traditional way of life and the demands of modernity.
AM: Can you expand on this perspective, discussing how short-form filmmaking contributes to your artistic development?
Ali Yahya: Short films provide a space for experimentation and risk-taking, allowing me to develop my style without the constraints of a feature-length production. It’s a way to hone my storytelling, test ideas, and find my voice as a director. The intimate nature of short films often allows for a deeper connection with audiences and serves as an effective tool to showcase one's skills to industry professionals.
AM: Your film's presence at the Berlinale is significant for Arab cinema's global visibility. How do you see your participation in this festival impacting both your career and the broader representation of Arab voices and narratives in international film?
Ali Yahya: Being at Berlinale is a milestone for Arab cinema, offering increased global visibility. For my career, it provides opportunities for networking and collaboration, opening doors to future projects. More broadly, it contributes to a more nuanced global understanding of Arab culture and challenges existing stereotypes, demonstrating that Arab voices and stories deserve their place in the international cinematic landscape.