The Sea Ahead, a Lebanese-film by director Ely Dagher has been exclusively premiered at the Rooftop Films in Brooklyn, NYC this past weekend.
On this cool Friday evening, guests and filmmakers gathered together to watch the film. As a rooftop tradition, a performance by neo-soul artist Felukah, set the mood as guests comfortably enjoyed her and awaited for the film to be premiered. The film depicts Jana, a young woman who makes a return to her hometown, Beirut. Back at home, she struggles with reconnecting with her life she had left. With concerns from both her mother and father, Jana brushed off these sentiments until she was no longer able to. In the end, she finds that sense of familiarity feeling right back at home. The Lebanese director embarked on a naturalistic and abstract portrait of his home country, leaving a profound impression on viewers. It is indeed a film relatable for most young adults who are on a journey in life, trying to have everything all figured out and making sense of what they experience. In addition to this being his first feature film, The Sea Ahead has also made its world premiere at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival.
On the scene for the NYC premiere, The Knockturnal had the opportunity to speak with the esteemed film director about his film:
The Knockturnal: What was your biggest challenge during production of this film?
The production of the film was challenging on many levels. The financial collapse in Lebanon started in October 2019 and we started preparations in December and then shot January/February of 2020. The Lebanese pound had lost 50% of its value. Logistically it was very complicated but we knew that what we were shooting was important and that it captured that feeling of disillusionment and loss even though for a brief moment the situation in the country felt hopeful at the beginning of the revolution. A week after we wrapped came the first Covid lockdown, a few months later in mid editing there was the massive explosion at the Beirut port which was really close to where I live/work. What made it all possible and worth it was the dedication and love that everyone involved put into the process.
The Knockturnal: What would you say about this that is different from other projects you’ve worked on?
Ely Dagher: This was my first feature film and that by itself is a very different dynamic and process than anything else I’ve done before. But also, even though the film is universal it remains tightly tied to the Lebanese context and experience and reality was catching up to fiction and the film took on a bigger role in telling our story which was something I didn’t have control over.
The Knockturnal: Your film made its worldly debut at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival. What was that experience like for you?
Ely Daghar: Being selected at the Cannes Film festival is such an honor to follow in the footsteps of filmmakers I admire and respect. It was really moving to be able to share the film for the first time with the Cannes audience and engage with them.
The Knockturnal: How does it feel to have your film premiered at Rooftop Films in NYC? What do you hope for viewers to get from this film?
Ely Dagher: The film premiered exactly a year ago and it’s been an intense ride ever since. What better way to wrap up this year than to premiere the film here. Screening part of Rooftop films at the Gowanus feels very fitting to the themes of the film. Ultimately the film is not didactic at all about the Lebanese context and what led us here and I hope the audience lets go of the idea that it’s a “Lebanese” film and watch it as a film about feeling alienated in your own city and trying to build yourself in today’s world. I believe that’s the true power of cinema.
The Knockturnal: What is some advice that you have for aspiring filmmakers/writers?
Ely Daghar: I’m still starting out and figuring this whole industry out, but I learned a lot from my experiences with “The Sea Ahead” and “Waves’98”. Stick to what you believe in and push forward. If you refuse to make compromises, be ethical or artistically. It’s going to be constant battles but it’s still possible. You’d need a side job though if you go the independent route.
