Revolutionaries Never Die: A Cinematic Tribute to Jocelyne Saab
The film industry is abuzz with the upcoming premiere of 'Revolutionaries Never Die', a cinematic masterpiece directed by Mohanad Yaqubi. This film is a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Lebanese filmmaker Jocelyne Saab, whose groundbreaking work continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. Yaqubi's unique approach to Saab's archive not only pays homage to her but also delves into the profound connections between her historical depictions and contemporary realities, leaving viewers with a profound sense of awe and reflection.
Yaqubi's journey into Saab's world began with a simple restoration project. He explains, "Mathilde Rouxel, who was her assistant in the last seven, eight years before she passed away, approached me, and because I had a film scanner in my office, we said, let’s do the scanning. This is how I got to know her work."
As he delved deeper, shared experiences and parallels emerged, particularly after his own house in Gaza was destroyed. This personal connection fueled Yaqubi's determination to continue Saab's work, asking himself, "How do I continue that?" He felt a profound responsibility to honor Saab's legacy and explore the impact of her films on the world.
"Revolutionaries Never Die" is more than just a film; it's a cinematic letter to Saab. Yaqubi aims to "cut through the repetition and disrupt it" while maintaining the belief that films can make a difference. He explains, "Time and space collapse. This is our feeling as filmmakers today. So a chronology of shot after shot doesn’t work anymore."
The title itself is a powerful statement, inspired by an autobiographical book of conversations between Palestinian political leader George Habash and French journalist Georges Malbrunot. Yaqubi believes that even in the darkest times, the idea of revolution must persist, as it is the only way to ensure that the fight for liberation continues. He states, "Jocelyne Saab was a revolutionary not only in the classical sense, but she’s also a revolutionary on a social level. And she is also a revolutionary for being a woman film pioneer. She was a revolutionary in many senses."
The film's premiere at the Locarno Film Festival is a testament to its significance. Artistic director Giona A. Nazzaro praised the film, highlighting Saab's uncanny ability to foresee the future, particularly the onset of the Iranian revolution. Nazzaro concluded, "She was this living memory of what was going on, and the film is basically about the work and the life of Jocelyne Saab as a living archive."
'Revolutionaries Never Die' is not just a tribute to Saab; it's a call to action for filmmakers and audiences alike. Yaqubi's personal connection to Saab's work and his own experiences in the Middle East have shaped his perspective on the role of cinema in times of crisis. He questions, "Why do we make films?" and emphasizes the need to address the atrocities and ideologies that enable violence.
In conclusion, 'Revolutionaries Never Die' is a powerful and thought-provoking film that not only celebrates Jocelyne Saab's legacy but also encourages viewers to reflect on the impact of cinema in shaping our understanding of the world. Yaqubi's unique approach to Saab's archive and his personal journey make this film a must-watch for anyone interested in the power of storytelling and the enduring spirit of revolution.
