THE IDOL – Interview w/ Filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad

https://vimeo.com/164318225

From the two-time Academy Award nominated Director of 'Paradise Now' & 'Omar' comes THE IDOL.  Filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad talked with me about his uplifting latest film and so much more.  Click through for my interview with talented filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad.

INTERVIEW with Filmmaker HANY ABU-ASSAD:

Before we jump into THE IDOL, Hany was awesome enough to tell an amazing story of how his first theatrical experience as a 5 year old boy impacted his journey into directing films decades later.

Even though Hany has had made two Academy Award nominated films, The Idol is the first film where he's thoroughly enjoyed the film process.

Hany's team didn't change with this film and it's that connection to his DP and team that really made this experience so much more fun.

I asked Hany why he made the bold choice to actually film in Gaza, Cairo and Beirut.

That choice to be fully authentic lead Hany to cast the majority of the film with actual Gaza based kids.

I asked Hany about casting the more recognizable actors like Tawfeek Barhom (Mohamma Assaf – Adult) and other veteran Arab actors.

In the film technology plays an intriguing element and I asked Hany about the impact technology has had on filmmaking and life in general for places like Gaza.

Hany and I talked about the movement elements in the film.  The opening sequence is very much a fluid action scene that takes place through the streets of Gaza.  I asked Hany about that particular choice in how to open the film with this action sequence.

The Idol could have been made to be very political, but it's not.  I asked Hany about making films that are more universal themes over political challenging ones.

I ended my wonderful chat with Hany Abu-Assad by asking him what he has up next.

THE IDOL is out now in theaters and well worth your time!!