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One reason why Syrian director Nabil Maleh is where he is today is because of his ability to take positive criticism in his stride. And characteristically, he solicited criticism as he took to the stage at the Madinat Theatre yesterday.
Thanking Dubai International Film Festival for the DIFF Salutes Nabil Maleh event, he said: “Just standing here in front of all these people has made me really understand the importance of this award. You are all my guests and you are very special to me. I hope you enjoy the film and if you don’t, just tell me afterwards, please.”
But there are other reasons for Maleh’s success. As Mohammed Rouda, DIFF competition manager, told the audience while introducing the director: “In my mind there are two reasons this man is so good at what he does. The first is that he does it right. He has not churned out lots of films.
Instead, he has taken his time and been picky about what is made. The second is that he has taken the time to develop a unique style — something other great directors have taken a lifetime to achieve. Nabil managed this early and was very focused about his visual aims.”
During the screening of The Extras, Nabil spoke to DIFF Daily. Sitting comfortably in a pink pinstriped shirt, he flicked through a copy of the programme, trying to translate his feelings into words.
“It’s difficult to describe exactly how I feel after being saluted here at DIFF,” he said. “I am overwhelmed because I did not expect such an honour. I am not the kind of director who just sits at home and expects to win these things. I do work hard and it is wonderful to be chosen.”
It is also recognition long overdue. “It feels wonderful to be recognised as it is a tough job to get a pat on the back. I’ve thanked the actors, producers and crew but have never really thanked myself. Maybe this is finally my turn and I should thank myself today — I do that publicly in the DIFF Daily!”
With a wonderful history of both ups and downs in the film world, Nabil recalls his best and worst moments in the industry.
He said: “The toughest thing I have faced throughout my career is the lack of freedom of expression. Filmmaking is an art and artists need to express themselves and social responsibility makes that hard in this region. It is getting better.”
And the best moment? “It has to be when my first feature-length film, The Leopard, was recognised as one of the masterpieces of Asian cinema. It was wonderful for me and a breakthrough for Syria.
“The Leopard was the first Syrian-directed film and I was very proud of what I’d achieved. Being a director is a journey. We choose to stop at many stations and are forced to stop at others. Along the way we learn and reveal secrets of the profession and secrets of our own.”
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