Nadine Labaki: 'Difficult' to Make Films in Arab Region

Nadine Labaki, acclaimed director of 'Capernaum,' has candidly discussed the significant obstacles faced in producing films within the Arab region. She highlighted the pervasive difficulty in obtaining adequate funding from local sources, frequently leading filmmakers to seek support from Western entities. Labaki clarified that her experience with Western funding was free from undue pressure, allowing her to authentically represent her culture and stories. She asserted that these financial partnerships did not dictate her artistic direction. This enabled her to maintain creative control over her projects.

Labaki underscored the profound impact of cinema as a medium for social commentary and change. She believes films can resonate emotionally, altering perspectives on critical issues and providing an outlet for pent-up anger and societal injustices. By bringing these concerns into the spotlight, filmmakers carry a significant responsibility to foster change through art. This perspective was particularly evident in her Oscar-nominated film, 'Capernaum,' which tackled deep-seated suffering.