Wells of Hope won Best Short Film - Between $5000 - $10,000 Award in the 9th Season of MP Film Award Lia Beltrami Director & Writer of the Film Wells of Hope agree to interview with us.
Lia Beltrami, producer director and writer. She won 93 awards. She received the Golden Lion for Peace 2017 in Venice. She directed 45 documentaries all over the world, winning 84 awards for her films. She is appointed as Representative of Religions for Peace at FAO-UN. In 1997 she founded Religion Today Film Festival, and the group Women of Faith for Peace in Jerusalem. She wrote 6 books: the new is “Picnic: the Art of Living”. She is the CEO of the production company Aurora Vision, honorary president of Nostalgia Film Festival, advisor for Dhaka Film Festival and Benin City Film Festival and honorary member of the House of Wisdom, Grenada.
About the Film: Synopsis: Wells of Hope Film Synopsis:
"The day we left Syria, the bombings were as strong as rain ...". Hence the story of Shaima, fleeing the war, kidnapped as a victim of trafficking. Is there still hope? You cannot live without it.
Among stones, deserts, mountains and dust, a group of brave Arab women gives life to Wells of Hope, to give answers to the drama of trafficking, together with the worldwide network Talita Kum. They are women of different religions who live in Lebanon, Jordan, Syria. They move between borders, conflicts and refugees. They want to restore the dignity of the victims and rebuild the dignity of the abused people. The path is not easy, but the determination of these women will open a new way.
Trailer of "Wells of Hope"
What was your drive behind making this film?
Lia Beltrami: When I came across the Arab women's anti-trafficking project, I wanted to tell their story to give some hope and to make the girls in the refugee camps aware of the need to be careful.
How you feel when you are awarded with the MP FILM AWARD Award?
Lia Beltrami: The award at the MP AWARDS festival is very important. First of all, because when you put so much effort and risk to tell a story, it is always nice to receive such a valuable recognition. Secondly, the award was a great encouragement to women who are on the frontline against trafficking.
Can you tell us about the greatest moment during shooting this film?
Lia Beltrami: The most intense moment in the filming of the film took place on the border with Syria. The climate was very tense and it was difficult to shoot, we were afraid. Suddenly, a young boy came out and brought us a glass of tea. We hadn't seen him. We didn't expect him. Welcoming first.
How rigorously did you stick to the script while shooting?
Lia Beltrami: We were supposed to do the reprisals mainly in Lebanon, but the worsening political situation prevented us from doing so. We had to change quickly, so even the script was no longer accurate. The protagonists were very adaptable, so we were able to maintain the narrative line well.
Where there any onset problems During the filming of the film & how did you deal with it?
Lia Beltrami: We had endless problems with locations. It was always dangerous and when it could have been easy, the desert wind blew too hard. To make the film, we needed all the adaptability we could muster.
Do you have any advice for young filmmaker out there? Or like yourself ?
Lia Beltrami: This year I celebrated 30 years as a documentary filmmaker. I can tell young people that it is the most beautiful job in the world, even if it requires a lot of sacrifice. It is worth it. I can advise you to always seek the truth, but with the utmost respect for the victims or the protagonists. No documentary is worth it if it hurts.
Do you think it is essential to go to a film institute in order to become a successful filmmaker?
Lia Beltrami: Making films is a craft, so the most important thing is apprenticeship. Of course there are very good schools today and they are worth following. You have to be careful not to leave the school with an attitude of arrogance. It always helps to remain humble. The humble internship remains the most important step.
Which film has inspired you the most?
Lia Beltrami: Metropolis, by Fritz Lang
Which particular film maker has influenced you the most?
Lia Beltrami: Fritz Lang and Kubrick
Which book would you love to make a film out of one day?
Lia Beltrami: The biography of the Mahatma Gandhi
If you got the opportunity to go back in time & change something in any particular movie of yours, then which movie & what changes will you opt for?
Lia Beltrami: I would have worked more with great cinematographers.
If you were to shoot the film again, what would you do differently?
Lia Beltrami: Nothing
What is your greatest achievement till date?
Lia Beltrami: The Golden Lion for Peace, Venice 2017.
How do you pick yourself up after a failed film?
Lia Beltrami: Walking in the mountains.
Where our viewers can catch you (share your social media)?
Lia Beltrami: https://liabeltrami.it/
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