GIHAN 360 SHORT DOCUMENTARY FILM ^ GIHAN 360 SHORT DOCUMENTARY FILM ^ GIHAN 360 SHORT DOCUMENTARY FILM ^ GIHAN 360 SHORT DOCUMENTARY FILM ^ GIHAN 360 SHORT DOCUMENTARY FILM ^ GIHAN 360 SHORT DOCUMENTARY FILM ^
Logline
A performative and self-discovery journey for a jewelry designer taking control of her body and spirituality through movement, & therapy while becoming an actress in Egypt.Synopsis
Within the enigmatic realm of emotions, masks emerge as intricate vessels, carrying the raw essence of our innermost selves. In Gihan, these masks become a canvas of transformation, a bridge between the visible and the concealed. With each mask, Gihan invites us into her world and her journey through a landscape of evolving emotions. Amidst this dance between the seen and felt, Gihan beckons the audience to explore their own emotions, to seek connection, and ultimately to embrace the intricacies of being human.12:30 minutes
Country of Origin: Egypt / Qatar / Jordan / Poland
Language: Arabic
Supported by
Virginia Commonwealth University,Qatar Faculty Research Grant Cycle of Spring 2023
Doha Film Institute
Documentary Lab and Qumra 2023
Director’s Statement
As an artist, my journey began with a deep exploration of my own pivotal life moments, emphasizing the connection between my internal experiences and the world around me.As a Muslim millennial woman, I often grapple with questions: Is my story worthy of sharing? Do I fear judgment, or am I the architect of my own narrative? Can emotions be both exaggerated and misleading? My childhood was marked by confusion, relying on others' stories to shape my own.
Society often imposes expectations on women to conform to established norms. When religion enters the picture, these expectations multiply. This context drew me to Gihan. Meeting her in 2019 coincided with my own struggles with anxiety and uncertainty about what to reveal and what to protect.
By 2022, Gihan had emerged as a rising actress in film and television, reigniting my desire to document her emotional journey. Returning to Egypt, we reunited in her studio, where she reflected on our previous recordings from 2019. Capturing her reactions to her younger self was a profound experience. This session evolved into a dialogue between us, where I felt compelled to share my own thoughts and document my mental state.
The concept of THE MASK serves as a powerful medium to express the emotions that Gihan and others navigate. This minimalist mask acts as a customizable template, with varying levels of awareness among individuals regarding its existence. We all perform daily to cope with life's challenges. When Gihan dons the mask, she becomes part of a larger struggle, embodying a commitment to authenticity amidst societal expectations.
Crew Credits
Director: Hadeer OmarProducer: Hadeer Omar, Alaa Alasad, Marcin Sobczak
In Co-Production with TABI360
Script Supervisors: Dana Atrach, Mayar Hamdan
Featuring: Gihan El Shamashergy
Director Of Photography: Hadeer Omar
Performers: Yara Azmy, Olga Stefatou
Editor: Hadeer Omar
Sound designer and re-recording mixer : Israel Bañuelos, MPSE
Foley artist: Anna-Maria Jams
Foley mixer: Kreete Kokovkin
Sound Post Production Services Acousmatic Film Sound OÜ
Colorist: Sherif Fathy
Photographer on Set: Mahmoud Mostafa, Shaima AlTamimi, Omar Sebaay, Julia Leeb
Costume Designers: Federica Visani, Nayla Almulla
Soundtrack: “A Boy On a Bicycle 7pm" Faraj Soliman
Schubert Music Publishing
Film Title: Kareemgraphy
Translator: Halima Chquioui
Note of Intent
This film has been in development since 2017, with its initial selection at Qumra in 2018 marking a significant milestone. Through a series of sessions and masterclasses, we transformed the project into a 360-degree format. Later that same year, I had the privilege of further developing the film at Electric South in Cape Town, an XR Lab focused on African artists. This experience broadened my understanding of transmedia storytelling, inspiring me to explore the philosophical and technical dimensions of virtual reality as a medium for this project and others.Since then, I have been teaching XR storytelling at the university level, where my students have created immersive works that have been featured in various festivals and exhibitions. This artistic practice has allowed me to investigate innovative methods of storytelling through immersive experiences and visual interpretations.
My creative process is inherently fluid and experimental, as I seek to express my experiences visually—whether through art, fashion, dialogue, performance, or soundscapes. The support from the Doha Film Institute for VR technology and its research has been instrumental during this production phase. As technology advances, it feels like the ideal time to share stories that honor the people of the MENA region.
I have developed a deep connection with my protagonist, working closely together to explore how we can capture her story from a 360-degree perspective.
The filming and recording took place across Egypt and Qatar, allowing us to gather rich anchor points that enhance the narrative while deepening our understanding of the story through its locations, people, events, and shared memories. What began as an experiment to reconnect with my roots and reflect on my upbringing has evolved into a profound journey of self-discovery through the lens of the protagonist and her story, all within the realm of 360 filmmaking.
Film stills note
My artistic process flourishes through experimentation, utilizing a diverse array of mediums—including art, fashion, dialogue, performance, and soundscapes—to bring my inner vision to life. With advancements in technology, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment to celebrate storytelling from the MENA region.Now is the time to unveil “Gihan” in multiple accessible formats, allowing a wider audience to engage with its narrative. This moment represents a tribute to the intersection of technology and human experience. The audiovisual performance will incorporate select footage from the documentary film and monologue, creating a dynamic and immersive experience.
