A special screening was hosted at DCTV Firehouse Cinema to watch the documentary Sirens.
The film was created by Rita Baghdadi and executive produced by Natasha Lyonne and Maya Rudolph, which tells the story of an all-female metal band called Slave to Sirens. The film follows their group made up of Lilas, Shery, Maya, Alma, and Tatyana, as they strive to make it to stardom. The film is an honest and authentic depiction of the groups dynamic and the struggles they all experience within the band and personally. Throughout the film, the girls talk about trying to stay true to their music while dealing with normalized customs and traditions in Lebanon. Sirens is composed of various scenes that show the band practicing and incorporates their home life, personal interactions, and narrations by Lilas. As the film progresses, viewers see how each of them grows, and their bond strengthens.
Baghdadi incorporates various artistic choices that allow each moment to flow, such as the placement of particular scenes, the depth of field, and the overall composition. Sirens includes conversations about sexuality, adulthood, friendship, and navigating through oppression. The film incorporates footage of protests, fleets of riot police, and the August 4, 2020, Beirut explosion and its aftermath, which helps tie together the dialogue.
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After the screening, Baghdadi and Lilas spoke about the film and detailed the creative process. They also talked about the friendship they developed during the creation of this project and the film’s importance. Sirens is available in select theaters in New York, San Fransico, and Los Angeles and will also be included in some upcoming festivals.
