Costa Brava, Lebanon | Mounia Akl

In this episode of the Kawalis podcast, Mounia Akl, a distinguished Lebanese director and writer, unveils the layers behind her latest film, "Costa Brava, Lebanon." Premiering at prestigious film festivals and marked by its poignant exploration of joy, sorrow, and dreams within the Lebanese context, Akl shares the inspirations and aspirations that fuel her filmmaking journey.
0:00 Introduction: An Insight into Mounia Akl's Filmmaking Background
4:20 Emotions in Lebanon: Akl Discusses the Juxtaposition of Joy and Sorrow in Lebanese Society
6:40 Dreaming of Lebanon: Akl Shares Her Vision for Lebanon’s Future
10:42 Reflecting on August 4th: The Impact of the Beirut Explosion on Akl’s Work and Psyche
12:17 "Submarine": A Look at One of Akl's Notable Short Films
15:20 Target Audience: Identifying Who "Costa Brava, Lebanon" Speaks To
16:44 Film Clips: Introducing Characters Rim and Tala Through Film Clips
20:50 Retrospective: Akl Looks Back on the Creation and Impact of "Costa Brava, Lebanon"
22:55 Film Premise: Exploring the Underlying Themes of the Film
24:51 Character Study: A Deep Dive into the Character of Rim
29:27 Intergenerational Dynamics: Discussing the Film's Portrayal of Family Relationships
34:14 Character of Tarek: Understanding Tarek's Role in the Narrative
38:08 Surrealism: The Use of Surreal Elements in Akl’s Storytelling
41:00 Filming Memories: Akl Recounts Memorable Moments from the Set
45:35 Working with Actors: Akl's Approach to Directing Actors with Diverse Backgrounds
42:06 Quick Q&A: Rapid-Fire Questions Revealing More About Akl's Creative Process
48:05 Audience Q&A on Adolescent Sexuality: Addressing Complex Themes in Her Work
48:55 Motivational Forces: What Drives Akl in Her Filmmaking Journey
50:23 Scripting Languages: The Process Behind Choosing Languages for Her Scripts
52:06 Character Development: Akl’s Method for Building Rich, Nuanced Characters
52:27 Watching "Costa Brava, Lebanon": Where to Find the Film
53:20 Future Projects: Akl Shares Insights into Her Current and Upcoming Work
Mounia Akl, a visionary director and writer from Lebanon, has made a significant impact on contemporary cinema with her compelling narratives and deep explorations of Lebanese identity and aspirations. A Columbia University MFA graduate and member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences®, Akl's films such as "Costa Brava, Lebanon" have garnered international acclaim, showcasing her as a dynamic voice in global filmmaking.
Connect with Mounia Akl 👉 / mounia.akl
Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 spoti.fi/47I59ns
Hosted by:
Mikey Muhanna 👉 / mikey_mu
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