Lebanese Director's 'Pipes' Explores Village Woes

Lebanese director Karim Kassem unveils his latest film, "Pipes," premiering in the prestigious Crystal Globe Competition at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival. This marks Kassem's fifth film in five years, demonstrating remarkable productivity despite his home country's instability.

"Pipes" revisits Hassan, a supporting character from Kassem's 2024 drama "Moondove." Hassan, a retired water authority employee, remains deeply involved in his village community. The film intricately portrays the daily challenges faced by the villagers, notably water scarcity and the unsettling disappearances of migrant workers, a subject handled with careful dialogue and nuance.

Kassem, who also has a background in cinematography and news production, states that the film delves into the "nuances of the troubles this village is going through daily." His work often explores profound questions about life, reflecting his philosophical studies background and his constant exposure to news stemming from Lebanon's ongoing conflicts. He notes his focus on water as a recurring theme, linking it to historical conflicts and the fundamental source of life.

The director attributes his prolific output to determination, technical knowledge, and the crucial support from MENA-based film funds. These funds, particularly the Doha Film Institute, enable him to maintain his rapid production pace, which he contrasts with the longer timelines often associated with European funding bodies. Kassem advocates for increased regional funding focused on local talent.