Image courtesy of Farah Alhashim

Interview: Farah Alhashim

Born on a rainy February afternoon in Kuwait 1988, Farah Alhashim finds her voice in Beirut. Award-Winning Filmmaker, journalist and writer, she graduated with a BA in Communication Arts emphasis (journalism) from the Lebanese American University in Beirut 2009 and with an MFA (Masters of Fine Arts) in cinematography and filmmaking from New York Film Academy attending both campuses in New York and Universal Studios, Hollywood. She has written, and directed over 8 short films and she is currently working on her first doc/feature film, “Breakfast in Beirut” that will start shooting this July, 2014. Farah’s moody character gives her the freedom to shift and wander between different forms of arts to express her individuality.  She won several awards in Kuwait, Lebanon and USA in performing arts, creative writings and Cinema. Farah founded an online magazine under the title “Prelude Mag” that mainly covers arts and culture around Europe and Middle East.  Farah lives Between New York and Beirut.

Image courtesy of Farah Alhashim

Luca Curci – Your work has just been exhibited during MORPHOS – Sustainable Empires in Venice: can you talk about your personal experience in Venice with International ArtExpo?

Farah Alhashim – I have never been to Venice, or in other words, I have never been to Italy. I always wanted to wait to fall in love and go there with my significant other, instead I ended up going to Venice with my short film, but the beautiful irony is that the film talks about a love story I once had in the past. Going to the most romantic city on earth with a short film about a love story, brought up so many emotions to my heart and mind. I realized how life is always unexpected and full of surprises. The moment I stepped into the Palace where the exhibition was taking place until the time my short film was screening among the other films and video works, I was exhilarated and happy. I was proud that my story reached to Italy and that different kind of audience away from New York and Beirut got to see the kind of stories I talk about. Meeting different artists inside the exhibition was another thrill I never expected to experience and absorbing art from every direction was on my “to do list”. It was a memorable experience and would come back for sure.

Image courtesy of Farah Alhashim

L. C. – Can you talk about the artwork you presented in Venice? How is it linked with the festival’s theme?

F. A. – Time is a man’s own invention; we created time to control our lives and days and organize them, but sometimes things fall back in the middle of organization. Certain emotions change. Modernity and technology are present to create time, space airplanes, Skype phones, all won’t work 100% all the time, some things never change and fail miserably. 7hours a film that tackles how 7hours time difference between New York and Beirut can change two people’s love relationship because of their long distant living between Beirut and New York. Time is important and can definitely change us, whether in physical surroundings or emotions.

L. C. – What are you currently working on?

F. A. – A docudrama (around 1:30 hour and half)  about certain stories that defines what Home is. Story takes place in Beirut, a city where random women have met and realized they can’t leave it. It is a quest to find the meaning of Home.

Image courtesy of Farah Alhashim

L. C. – What is art for you?

F. A. – Art is my mirror.

L. C. – What do you think about International ArtExpo organization?

F. A. – I think it is a brilliant place for civilizations and cultures to mesh beautifully rather clash. It is a spot for artists to share views and see what others have to offer. I love it!

L. C. – Do you think International ArtExpo organization can represent an opportunity for artists?

F. A. – Yes and I believe it should go beyond the borders of Italy, every year in a different city and try to get more moral and financial support from other international film festivals, art galleries and book exhibitions in order to exchange works and talents.