Filmmaker's Resistance: Making Art Amidst Bombings

Palestinian director Rakan Mayasi's feature debut, "Yesterday the Eye Didn't Sleep," offers a powerful glimpse into the lives of two Bedouin sisters, Rim and Jahawer, in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. The film, which premiered in Un Certain Regard at Cannes, explores the challenges of patriarchal rituals within their community. Mayasi drew inspiration from his grandmother, who was forced into marriage at 14, aiming to create a tribute to her. The project evolved from an earlier short film, with his grandmother's passing fueling his commitment to the feature.

Mayasi employed a unique research and filmmaking process, collaborating closely with non-professional actors from a local family he met while scouting locations. Over three and a half years, he built trust with the inhabitants, allowing their real-life experiences to shape the narrative. The storyline was further enriched by a real incident involving a girl accused of burning a truck, which occurred with the family's permission. The entire dialogue was improvised on set, demanding immense intuition and intelligence from the non-actors.

Filming in the Bekaa Valley presented significant challenges due to ongoing Israeli air strikes. Despite a de facto ceasefire, Israeli jets conducted bombings in nearby areas, occasionally disrupting takes with the sound of explosions. Mayasi, who lived in Lebanon for 17 years and feels a deep connection to the country, described the experience as both an "act of existence" and "resistance." Witnessing the destruction of villages and homes, particularly affecting fellow filmmakers, profoundly impacted him, highlighting the personal cost of the conflict.

The production maintained a minimalist approach with a small crew of twelve to fifteen people, utilizing only tripods and zoom lenses. This deliberate choice was partly due to budget constraints but primarily to avoid intruding on the local community unfamiliar with filmmaking. Initially planned for 18 days, the shoot extended to 23 days to manage the intensity of filming seven scenes daily. The film's creation amidst such volatile conditions underscores the resilience of artistic expression in the face of adversity.