Elie El-Semaan: From TV Success to Netflix Debut
Dubai-based director Elie El-Semaan thrives on the physical exhaustion that comes with filmmaking, fueling his passion for the craft. After gaining international recognition for his work on the TV show “Shatti Ya Beirut” (Rain Over Beirut), which earned him a Murex D’or award for Best Drama Director in 2022, El-Semaan is now poised to make his mark on the silver screen with his debut feature film, “Honeymoonish”, set to premiere on Netflix later this year.
A Nuanced Take on Arab Culture
As the first Kuwaiti film shot in Lebanon, “Honeymoonish” offers a nuanced perspective on the Arab world and its unique cultures. El-Semaan believes the film will challenge perceptions of Arabs and hopes it will resonate with audiences worldwide.
Raising the Bar for Pan-Arab Television
El-Semaan acknowledges the pressure of debuting his feature film on a platform like Netflix but draws confidence from the elevated standards of pan-Arab television in recent years. He sees a convergence between TV series and films in terms of quality and responsibility, pushing boundaries to offer audiences fresh and engaging content.
Fostering Collaboration on Set
El-Semaan emphasizes the importance of fostering collaboration on set, valuing the input and creativity of his actors and crew members. He believes in creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute to the filmmaking process.
Collective Dreaming and Dialogue
For El-Semaan, filmmaking is about collective dreaming and dialogue, where every voice is heard and valued. He embraces surprises and challenges on set, believing that the best projects are born from open collaboration and mutual respect.
“I’m sure there’s always room for improvement,” he says. “There’s always more we can do.”