THE WHIRLING DERVISH, 2min., Egypt
Directed by Osama Elolemy
In the mesmerizing whirling dance of the Sufi lady, grace and devotion blend seamlessly. Her movements, like poetry in motion, transcend time and space, capturing the essence of the divine in every spin. The gentle flow of her white garments symbolizes purity, while her serene expression reflects inner peace and connection to the universe. As she twirls, she becomes a living embodiment of spiritual ecstasy, inviting us to join her in this sacred dance of unity and love

https://www.genieinaclick.com/
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Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

As a fine art photographer, the inspiration for creating a short reel emerged from an editorial photoshoot I conducted on the Whirling Dervish dance. Initially, the plan was to exhibit the photographs in a gallery. However, since this dance is quite unique and not widely understood across different cultures, I felt the need to bring it to life through motion. By creating a reel, I aimed to showcase the fluidity of movement and the depth of expression captured in the images, making it more accessible and immersive for viewers.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

The actual photoshoot took two days, during which we secured exclusive access to one of Samarkand's most iconic and tourist-heavy locations—Registan Square. We were granted permission to shoot there for three hours, which was a significant challenge to arrange. Additionally, obtaining a drone permit in Uzbekistan was a complex process that took nearly two months. During this time, we coordinated travel logistics, secured the necessary approvals, and ensured everything was in place. My wife played a crucial role in assisting me throughout this journey.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

The Divine connection

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

One of the most significant challenges was obtaining a drone permit in Uzbekistan. The process was time-consuming and required extensive approvals. However, through perseverance, I managed to secure it. Interestingly, as I started creating more reels like this, I found myself even more motivated and inspired to explore this format for future photoshoots.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was truly touched and flattered by the heartfelt feedback. While receiving comments on social media with emojis is always encouraging, hearing people articulate their thoughts, describe the emotions behind each scene, and express their admiration in words made the entire effort deeply rewarding. Knowing that the film resonated with the audience on such a profound level was incredibly fulfilling.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I realized my passion for filmmaking when I saw how still photography, as powerful as it is, sometimes couldn't fully convey the movement, emotion, and energy of a moment. My turning point came during my editorial photoshoot of the Whirling Dervish dance. While the images captured its essence, I felt that something was missing—the motion, the rhythm, and the soul of the dance itself. That's when I decided to create a short reel to bring those moments to life. The process was incredibly fulfilling, and it opened my eyes to the possibilities of storytelling through film

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

I don't have a single film that I've watched the most, but I'm drawn to movies that explore culture, traditions, and humanity's deep connection with the earth. Films that beautifully capture the essence of different cultures, landscapes, and spiritual journeys resonate with me the mos

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

Watching the audience reaction in the Video would be also exciting to watch. Seeing their faces light up, hearing their gasps or moments of quiet reflection would be nice to have as an extension to the video

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

The experience was smooth and straightforward. The submission process was fairly easy since most of the required details were already pre-filled on FilmFreeway, saving me a lot of time.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Pizza :)

11. What is next for you? A new film?

One of my recent projects was a cinematic piece on the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, which I'll be revealing very soon.