Shadows
Ajyal Competition - Ajyal Film Festival 2024
Rand Beiruti / France, Jordan, Qatar / 2024 / 13 min / Unknown / Unknown / In Arabic, German / Arabic, English subtitles
Themes: Animation
Rated: 
Mature subject matter. May not be suitable for minors. Individuals under the age of 15 are not admitted into cinemas
Description
At a crowded airport, Ahlam, a 14-year-old girl from Baghdad, embarks on a journey to escape a life of violence and reclaim her future. Haunted by memories of trauma and domestic abuse, she is forced to confront her past and reflect on the resilience that has carried her forward. ‘Shadows’ uses animation to depict Ahlam’s subjective experiences, illuminating the often-hidden realities of domestic violence and child marriage. Director Rand Beiruty’s nuanced storytelling sheds light on Ahlam’s strength, capturing her refusal to be defined by her circumstances.
Director
Rand Beiruti
Rand Beiruty is a filmmaker and co-founder of Shaghab Films, based in Amman, Jordan. She holds a practice-based PhD in representation and participatory filmmaking from the Konrad Wolf Film University of Babelsber. Known for her advocacy on international stages, Beiruty’s work has earned awards from Tribeca Film Institute and Mifa Animation du Monde. Her debut feature, ‘Tell Them About Us’, premiered at CPH 2024 and won the ECFA Award for Best European Feature Documentary. Her short animated documentary, ‘Shadows’, debuted at the 81st Venice International Film Festival.
Credits
- Screenwriter
- RAND BEIRUTY
- Producer
- IDRIS LETTIFI, MOUSSA LETTIFI, JUDE KAWWA, RAND BEIRUTY
- Editor
- ABDALLAH SADA