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An Interview with Hussain Alahmed



Please tell us about the projects you worked on before making ‘calm noise’. How did you start, and how did you learn to make films?

My first work was in 2021, titled "The Unknown Film." This was my first short film, produced by only four people. I worked on it as an actor, director, colorist, and video editor. The film participated in several festivals in the USA and UK.

My second directed film is "12," also produced by the same four people. This film won several international awards, including the Best Film Award at the Paris Film Festival.

My latest film is "Calm Noise," which received 17 international awards, most notably the Best Unbudgeted Film Award at the Venice Film Festival.


Tell us about ‘calm noise’. How do you describe it?

"Calm Noise" is a human drama film that I created to convey the experience of deafness to the audience. It explores how deaf individuals perceive sound and communicate with the hearing world. The film effectively captures this unique perspective, placing a strong emphasis on the soundscape, which was meticulously crafted by George Athanas, a composer with 15 years of experience.


The film's success is further underscored by the two awards it received for Best Sound Design. Additionally, the film presented a significant challenge in casting the lead role, which was played by a deaf actor. This decision reflects the film's commitment to authenticity and its aim to provide a genuine representation of the deaf experience.


Please tell us about your favorite filmmakers؟ 

I admire many directors, but my favorites are Quentin Tarantino and Meshal Al-Jasser.

I have a deep admiration for Quentin Tarantino's work. His films ignited my passion for filmmaking. I am fascinated by his unique style of storytelling, his masterful use of dialogue, and his ability to create unforgettable characters. His films are a mixture of violence, humor and pop culture references that have left an indelible mark on cinema.

Mishal Al-Jasser is a young Saudi director who impressed me with his distinctive style of filmmaking. His films display a fresh perspective and a willingness to experiment with different narrative genres and styles. I am particularly drawn to his ability to capture the nuances of human emotion and his talent for crafting visually compelling stories.



Director Hussain Alahmed

If you were given a good budget, what would be your ideal project?

I am driven by the vision of creating a film that will leave an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape of the UAE and the Gulf region. My passion lies in crafting a powerful narrative that delves into the struggles and triumphs of women in our society. I am confident in my ability to bring this vision to life, given the right resources and support.

The story I envision is one that resonates with the experiences of women across the UAE and the Gulf region. It will explore themes of resilience, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams in the face of adversity. The film will serve as a testament to the strength and determination of women, highlighting their contributions to society and their unwavering pursuit of equality.

To bring this cinematic vision to reality, I seek the support of individuals and organizations who share my passion for storytelling and my commitment to empowering women. With the necessary funding and collaboration, we can create a film that will not only entertain but also inspire and educate audiences.

Together, we can make a film that will not only entertain but also leave a lasting impact on society. Let's join forces to create a cinematic masterpiece that will forever be etched in the annals of Emirati and Gulf cinema.

 

Describe how you would ensure that production is on schedule. What steps would you take?

Pre-Production:

            •           Script Breakdown & Scheduling: Dissect the script scene-by-scene, estimating filming time, crew needs, and location requirements. Use this to create a detailed production schedule with realistic timelines.

Resource Management:

            •           Secure Crew & Equipment Early: Lock down your key crew members and equipment rentals well in advance to avoid conflicts.

            •           Location Scouting & Permits: Finalize filming locations and obtain necessary permits before production begins.

Communication & Monitoring:

            •           Daily Production Reports: Track progress daily, highlight any delays, and adapt the schedule as needed.

            •           Regular Team Meetings: Hold daily meetings to discuss progress, address issues, and brainstorm solutions collaboratively.

Flexibility & Planning:

            •           Contingency Plans: Identify potential risks (weather, cast illness) and develop backup plans to minimize their impact.

            •           Shot Lists & Storyboards: Create detailed shot lists and storyboards to clearly communicate filming goals, saving time and minimizing reshoots.

 

What was the hardest part of making ‘calm noise’.

The production of "Calm Noise" presented us with a unique set of challenges, primarily due to budget constraints and a small crew size. With only four individuals handling all aspects of the filmmaking process, we faced numerous obstacles in translating the script's nuances and bringing the story to life.



Despite these limitations, we embraced the challenges as opportunities to grow and learn. The limited crew size forced us to be resourceful and versatile, taking on multiple roles and responsibilities. This approach fostered a strong sense of teamwork and collaboration, allowing us to overcome obstacles and achieve our creative goals.


The decision to cast a deaf actor as the lead role presented an additional layer of complexity. Ensuring effective communication and conveying the intricacies of the character's experiences required careful consideration and collaboration with the actor. This experience opened our eyes to the challenges faced by deaf individuals in the film industry and reinforced our commitment to authentic representation.


Despite the challenges, the production of "Calm Noise" was an immensely rewarding experience. The film's success is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and the willingness to embrace challenges. We learned that with dedication, resourcefulness, and a collaborative spirit, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome.


Key Points:

            •           The film's limited budget and crew size presented significant challenges.

            •           Casting a deaf actor required careful consideration and collaboration.

            •           Overcoming obstacles fostered teamwork, creativity, and personal growth.

            •           The film's success demonstrates the power of perseverance and collaboration.

 

 

If possible, tell us about your next work. What plans do you have for your future work?

A Child's First Cinema Adventure. My upcoming short film revolves around a 10-year-old boy's first-ever cinema experience. This heartwarming tale follows the boy's journey as he navigates the excitement, anticipation, and challenges that come with this momentous occasion.

 

Parental Obstacles:

The boy's parents, initially hesitant to allow their son to venture into the world of cinema, present the first hurdle he must overcome. Their concerns stem from a mix of protectiveness and unfamiliarity with the cinematic experience.

 

Convincing the Parents:

The boy's determination to attend the cinema sparks a journey of persuasion, where he must articulate the importance of this experience and allay his parents' fears. He passionately explains the transformative power of cinema, its ability to transport viewers to new worlds, and its potential to spark imagination and creativity.

 

The Cinema Experience:

Once granted permission, the boy embarks on his cinematic adventure. The film captures the wide-eyed wonder and sheer joy he experiences as he steps into the grand foyer, immerses himself in the flickering images on the screen, and becomes captivated by the unfolding story.

 

The Film's Impact:

The boy's first cinema experience leaves an indelible mark on him, shaping his perception of the world and igniting a lifelong passion for storytelling. The film serves as a testament to the transformative power of cinema and its ability to inspire and connect individuals of all ages.

 

Key Points:

The film follows a 10-year-old boy's first cinema experience.

The boy's parents initially oppose the idea due to concerns about safety and unfamiliarity with cinema.

The boy persuades his parents by highlighting the positive aspects of cinema.

The film captures the boy's wonder and joy as he experiences the magic of cinema.

The film celebrates the transformative power of cinema and its ability to inspire.

 

 

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