Watar El Ghurbeh
Made in Qatar - Ajyal Film Festival 2020

Alessandra El Chanti / Short Documentary / Qatar, United States of America / 2019 / 10 min / Colour / Apple Pro Res 422 / In Arabic, English / English subtitles / World Premiere
Rated: Parental guidance is advised. Some material may be inappropriate for young children.
Synopsis
Wanees Zarour is a Palestinian-American music composer and director. He leads the Middle Eastern Music Ensemble at the University of Chicago, a 60-piece orchestra that plays Arabic, Turkish, and Iranian music. As Zarour prepares the orchestra for its Turkish concert, he takes us on a journey of two parallel narratives—the preparations and rehearsals for the show, as well as the story of his musical upbringing in Palestine told through a phone call with his mother.
About the Director
Alessandra El Chanti is a Lebanese documentary filmmaker, activist, and artist. Her interests lie in the stories of the Levant, ranging from its culture, social issues, and politics. El Chanti holds an MFA in Documentary Media from Northwestern University.
Credits
- Director
- Alessandra El Chanti
- Producer
- Alessandra El Chanti
- Editor
- Alessandra El Chanti
- Cinematographer
- Alessandra El Chanti
- Cast
- Wanees Zarour, Suzanne Boulos, and the Middle Eastern Music Ensemble at the University of Chicago.