Interview with upcoming director Deena Alsaweer
Welcome Deena we are very excited to have you today with us to discuss about your work.
First off, Who is Deena Alsaweer and how did the passion for filmmaking start ?
Well, it all started back in the 4th grade when she dropped this gem: "I love writing, but I want to be a movie director so that I can bring my writing to life." Fast forward more than two decades, and Deena's still holding on to that dream. She's turned her passion into a career, directing music videos, short films, and cool commercial stuff. Deena also earned her M.A. from SCAD as a Fulbright Scholar and is all about nurturing creativity, even teaching young filmmakers in Bahrain and Canada.
Can you tell us about your previous work ?
Deena's filmography is a wild mix, but they all share a common thread – they find the silver lining in every situation. Her films are all about characters, and the quirkier, the better. Plus, as a musician and filmmaker, her work packs a serious sonic punch, thanks to some epic sound design and killer music choices. Oh, and let's not forget the awards she's snagged, including ones from the French Embassy in Bahrain and the Digi60 Filmmaker's Film Festival.
CONVERSATION ABOUT: Dead & Alive
Does this symbolic scenario have an importance to you on a personal level?
On a personal level, Deena wanted to write characters that reflect a different kind of Arab character on screen. She effectively pulled from the beautiful relationship she has with her own mother and wrote personalities that reflected Arabs that she simply didn’t see enough of on screen. Her goal was to tackle some stereotypes that are reinforced far too often even by Arab filmmakers.
Through her film, she champions the values of community and genuine human connections over the superficiality of wealth, emphasizing that life itself is a precious gift.
Talk to us about your film? How was it created and what inspired it?
As part of the Digi60 60-Day Challenge, we were given the topic of “ESCAPE” and a 60 day deadline to write, produce, edit and submit a short film. I wanted to incorporate some of the sarcastic, dry humour of my Arab culture because I don’t think it’s showcased enough in international media. I also wanted to take a subtle approach to the topic and chose the ideology that “what you’re trying to escape from is external, and what you really need to strive for is inspiration internally”. So often, we try to escape reality by spending money, playing games, traveling, all in hopes that our “happiness” is out there, when it’s really within us - however, it’s easier said than done, so I wanted the main characters to be siblings who carried each other throughout that journey.
What are the themes you wanted to explore with this project ?
Community, family trauma, and internal happiness. This story delves into themes of family, inheritance, and the consequences of seeking material wealth, as Farah and Alia are willing to engage with the supernatural to address their concerns and potentially heal their fractured relationship with their mother. "Dead & Alive" unearths profound themes of community, familial trauma, and the quest for inner contentment. As Farah and Alia grapple with the supernatural, seeking resolution for their fractured relationship with their mother, the audience is invited to contemplate the bonds that tie us together. Farah and Alia, our leading ladies, are diving headfirst into the supernatural to sort out their beef with their late mom. It's a flick that'll make you think about family bonds and the baggage they carry.
Who are Farah and Alia and what should the audience know about the situation they are faced with ?
Farah and Alia are two sisters facing a complex situation in this story. Farah, the older and more cautious sister at 29, is dressed in modest but designer clothes, suggesting a penchant for material possessions. Alia, her younger counterpart at 24, is more rebellious. They're at their mother's gravesite to perform a ritual, using an old videocam and a potion bottle, with hopes to contact their deceased mother. Why? They want to chat with their dear departed mother and sort out some family drama regarding an inheritance. But things take a crazy turn when Uncle Fadi makes a ghostly appearance and offers them an otherworldly deal.
What is the message the audience should convey leaving the screening of your film ?
Personal Connections prevails over material possessions. With Uncle Fadi and the Mom at opposite sides of that spectrum, the audience should seek to reflect on their own lives and compare where their lives fall on that spectrum between Uncle Fadi and the Mom. As the credits roll on "Dead & Alive," Deena Alsaweer's message is clear: personal connections hold greater value than material possessions.
What is the target audience of your project ?
The story is universal. The target audience could be youth between 18 and 35 who are still figuring out their relationship to money, life, and relationships, or BIPOC culture of family values and working through generational trauma even if it’s one-sided (this is materialized in the sisters figuring out their trauma even though their mother is dead, it’s still worth a try to work through generational healing!) This flick speaks to everyone. Whether you're a young adult trying to figure out life, money, and relationships or part of the BIPOC crowd dealing with family stuff and trying to heal generational wounds, there's something here for you. "Dead & Alive" is all about finding that common ground and understanding.
Any future projects incoming ?
Deena is working on several short films that span various types of characters to convey the same message: even though life can be cruel sometimes, you’re stronger together and things always happen for a reason. Deena is focused on creating work that feels like a breath of fresh air. Deena has 3 films currently in post-production; a romantic comedy, a drama/comedy, a thriller/comedy, and a music video with a sci-fi/comedy theme. Deena is also writing her debut feature film about an immigrant filmmaker who sees the world through rose-coloured glasses while navigating its cruel and often-times unforgiving circumstances; title and production date TBD.
Deena's artistic journey continues with a series of exciting projects on the horizon. We're waiting on the edge of our seats for the upcoming works of Deena A. Alsaweer, so stay tuned for more from this creative powerhouse.
That was the interview with our beloved creator Deena Alsaweer. Our community is rising everyday, new talented filmakers and screenwriters get onboard. Be sure to check the rest of our interviews and why not schedule one for yourself to promote your work.
To publish an interview simply submit on the ‘‘INTERVIEW OF YOUR FILM’’ category on our Filmfreeway page.
