Updated: October 12, 2008
Omar Saleh's feature script 'Tafahum' selected to The Film Circle
(September 30, 2008) The feature script 'Tafahum' was a cesarean birth. The writing of this script was an extraordinary feat.
This is Omar Saleh's first feature script right after completing The Scriptwriting Workshop offered by the Amman Filmmakers Cooperative.
The rough cut was produced in about 20 days. All 100 pages. Those were 20 days from hell. The almost daily meetings at the Fishawi cafe; the arguments; the brainstorms.
Then came the translation from Arabic to English and the resulting re-writes. More arguments; more rewrites.
Almost 6 months later, Omar is still not satisfied with the script.But when his script was submitted to the prestigious Film Circle, the call came in days later announcing the official selection.
Basically, The Film Circle is an international competition led by Hollywood industry experts. And Omar Saleh's 'Tafahum' feature script was selected as one of 6 finalists.
The privilege of being part of this highly exclusive event is a major boost that will help transform Saleh's script from paper to celluloid.
Title: Tafahum (Understanding)
Screenwriter: Omar Saleh
Contributors: Hazim Bitar
Log line: An exiled Arab political activist returns home to seek answers for past failures and to search for lost love.
Another cooperative feature script, From Nowhere with Love by Hazim Bitar, was selected to Open Doors 2007 at the Locarno International Film Festival as well as EAVE Workshop.
RELATED LINKS:
The Film Circle
http://thecircle.hifolio.com/submissionsVariety: Abu Dhabi widens Film Financing Circle
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117992917.html?categoryid=3257&cs=1
(Download PDF version)Reuters: The Second Annual Circle Conference Launches in Abu Dhabi
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS75284+06-Oct-2008+PRN20081006
(Download PDF version)ScreenDaily: Abu Dhabi's Circle Conference kicks off with Gianopuolos, Banderas
http://www.screendaily.com/ScreenDailyArticle.aspx?intStoryID=41243&Category=
(Download PDF version)
Omar Saleh's readies first feature film 'Tafahum'
http://ammanfilmmakers.alif.com/jan-19-08-tafahum.htmOmar Saleh: A Jordanian Indie Filmmaker & Actor with an Attitude http://ammanfilmmakers.alif.com/profile-saleh.htm
'I Am Ready' Goes to Algeria
http://ammanfilmmakers.alif.com/june-22-08-iamreadyalgeria.htmLocarno's Open Doors Picks 'From Nowhere with Love'
http://ammanfilmmakers.alif.com/jun-13-07-opendoors.htm