Just Like a Dream
Spring Grants 2024 - Development Stage
Corine Shawi / Feature Documentary / Lebanon, Qatar / 75 min / Original Language: Arabic / Interests: Social Issues, Psychological, 3D Animation, Creative Documentary, Feature Documentary, Hybrid
Synopsis
On August 4th, 2020, Beirut experienced one of history’s largest explosions, resulting in over 232 deaths, 7,500 injuries, and 300,000 people left homeless. While the world witnessed the devastation, Lebanon’s residents faced a reality they struggled to understand: widespread destruction and mutilated bodies. How can the mind process such an event? PTSD gripped nearly every survivor, leaving both physical and psychological scars as they tried to explain what happened and why death spared them. Dreams became a refuge for their minds. Davina’s dream of a massive wave revealed her fear and desire for safety, while Leslie’s dream of serene whales offered her solace. Reality seeped into their sleep with frightening loudness or with equally frightening softness. Premonitions brought a sense of danger. In the days leading up to the explosion, many experienced a peculiar feeling. Josiane’s premonition materialised as a haunting farewell to her apartment, and Halim dreamt of the port being bombed. These glimpses into the future burdened survivors with the weight of ignored warnings and uncertainty. Survivors recounted each action and minute of that day, with survival often depending on mere meters, minutes, and miracles. ‘Just Like a Dream’ bears witness to the survivors’ deepest trauma and coping mechanisms, revealing the emotional scars and the resilience of a nation permanently waiting for the next catastrophe.
Credits
- Director
- Corine Shawi
- Screenwriter
- Corine Shawi
- Producer
- Nancy Sabbagh
- Production Company
- The Attic
About the Director
Lebanese filmmaker Corine Shawi's journey began at age 20 with her documentary 'Les Femmes Bonnes.' Her interest in human connections led her to explore various themes. 'Affinity' pondered her friendship limits, while 'Film of Welcome and Farewells' portrayed loneliness in Copenhagen. 'I Love You Forever' delved into the unusual tale of two old sisters, and 'E Muet' explored the expression of friendship and love. Her latest film, 'Perhaps What I Fear Does Not Exist,' chronicled a four-year journey seeking absolution for her broken family. Corine shares her expertise with filmmakers, teaching at Saint Joseph University since 2011 and co-creating TAABIR visual language workshops.