Ep 230: Beyond the Turmoil: Isabelle Mecattaf's Lens on Lebanon

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby

Welcome to the podcast! Today we have filmmaker Isabelle on the show to discuss her journey from Lebanon to NYU and her experiences crafting compelling films. We'll delve into her creative process, her passion for telling human stories amidst political turmoil, and her advice for emerging filmmakers. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about resilience, filmmaking, and finding your voice.
https://www.isabellemecattaf.com/filmography
BEITY
Shownotes:

• Isabelle's Origin Story: Born and raised in Lebanon, Isabelle moved to the United States at 18 for college, where she studied English literature and philosophy. She pursued a master's in film at NYU.
  
• NYU Tisch Experience: Isabelle describes her time at NYU Tisch as transformative, where she learned all aspects of filmmaking from industry professionals and built a strong network of collaborators.
  
• Influence of Literature and Philosophy: Isabelle discusses how her background in English literature and philosophy has shaped her storytelling, particularly in character development and narrative structure.
  
• Short Film "Beiti": Isabelle's second-year film at NYU, "Beiti" (meaning "My House" in Arabic), was shot on 16mm film in Lebanon. The film explores themes of waiting, limbo, and the experiences of those left behind in Lebanon due to immigration.
  
• Shooting on Film: Isabelle shares her love for shooting on film, emphasizing how it fosters intentionality, precision, and focus on set.
  
• Feature Film "May You Outlive Us": Isabelle is currently working on her first feature film, "May You Outlive Us," which continues to explore themes of resilience and everyday life in Lebanon amidst political and economic turmoil.
  
• Lebanese Resilience: The discussion delves into the resilience of the Lebanese people and how it influences their daily lives and Isabelle's filmmaking.
  
• Transition to Feature Film: Isabelle shares the challenges of transitioning from short films to a feature, particularly in navigating co-productions, government funding, and pitching to secure financing.
  
• Focus on Humanity: Isabelle emphasizes her commitment to telling human stories and her desire to move beyond narratives solely focused on war and poverty in Lebanon.
  
• Lebanese Filmmakers: Isabelle highlights the work of other talented Lebanese filmmakers, including Wisam Sheddaf and Muniael, and the collaborative spirit within the community.
  
• Casting Process: Isabelle discusses her approach to casting, emphasizing her preference for working with professional actors and focusing on connection and communication.
  
• Recognition and Support: Isabelle acknowledges the impact of being shortlisted for the Breakthrough Lens Action Grant and selected for the NYU Purple List, highlighting the importance of community and support in filmmaking.
  
• Advice for Emerging Filmmakers: Isabelle's advice for emerging filmmakers, particularly those telling personal and politically relevant stories, centers on trusting their support system, working hard, surrounding themselves with good people, and seeking out opportunities and initiatives designed to support new voices.