Hadeel Al-Kadasi is a 21-year-old human rights filmmaker from Yemen, active in the Yemeni Instagram artists circle and photography and filmmaking forums. Her photo collection, “Sitarh,” addressing women’s equal opportunity, features contributions from over 60 Yemeni women and will be showcased in ‘Al Zine’ magazine and selected London venues.She created the documentary “One Goal to Peace,” about the Yemeni youth football team’s journey to the Asia finals, in collaboration with Barbara Harrison Media and UNITAR. Hadeel also participated in a photography workshop in Beirut focused on ‘home’ and ‘alienation,’ developing her concept of ‘home’ through street life photography. In a workshop on digital transformation in culture, she presented a social media marketing strategy and a plan to raise awareness about Yemen’s issues through photography. She joined a Digital Peacebuilding workshop with the British Council and a female NGO, leading to her project “To Be Heard,” focusing on women’s rights and reedom of expression  and gaining valuable skills in digital storytelling and advocacy.  Her collection of women’s portraits was featured in “Art Her Way,” an art gallery celebrating International Women’s Day, highlighting the perspectives of 75 local and international artists. 

Participating in the intuitive film lab exploring the theme of guilt has been a deeply personal and transformative experience for me. It allowed me to delve into complex emotions and narratives that are often overlooked or misunderstood. Through this journey, I’ve learned to confront and express feelings of guilt in ways I never thought possible. The guidance and support from the team were invaluable in shaping my storytelling and intuitive skills, enabling me to create a film that authentically captures the essence of this emotion. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this enriching experience that has not only expanded my filmmaking capabilities but also provided a cathartic outlet for my own reflections and growth. I love you Muriel.

Jawad Jabado is a Lebanese emerging Filmmaker. His journey, in art as in life, is a never ending process of evolution that has been marked by a continuous exploration of visionary modes of storytelling, drawing him into the realm of experimental arts. He takes on the responsibility of guiding the creative vision driven by a passionate desire to craft authentic and personal narratives to translate them into mesmerizing visuals. He is currently finishing a diploma in filmmaking and a bachelor’s degree in Radio & Tv.

The Intuitive Film Lab is a spiritual phenomenon. It’s like a dream within a dream. If you asked me how the process went from start to finish, I would simply tell you that I don’t know. The thing that I know the most is that I was completely authentic in the process, and I had nothing to lose, I just went all the way. To the deepest part of it. Here we have a pure, authentic audio-visual expression of personal guilt. I consider that The Intuitive Film Lab created a tiny root for finding the Lebanese cinematic language, which is authentic and not imitated. Since it reflects us and represents who we are, if you watch the image; you’ll feel something, if you listen to the sound; you’ll feel a different thing, and the magic starts as they meet.

Chloe Khoury, is a Lebanese self-taught videographer and photographer currently freelancing in Lebanon. She embarked on her creative journey from her youngest age, which later evolved into a profound focus on photography.  Returning to Lebanon in 2019 after 15 years in France, Chloe discovered her passion for capturing stories through her lens. Holding an MA in Marketing and Sustainable Development, Chloe worked for over 5 years in communications with international organizations, emphasizing humanitarian and developmental projects. Today, she continues her work in this field using her camera as a tool for change. Her work is driven by a desire to spotlight untold narratives and empower underrepresented voices and personal struggles. 

In October 2021, Chloe attended the London Film Academy Documentary filmmaking certificate where she directed her short documentary “The Leaving Game.”

In July 2022, she attended a photography masterclass at CAMERA Torino in partnership with the ICP, earning recognition for her project, “More than my Hair”. In June 2023, her movie “Réflection d’un Ho(m)me” was selected and screened at the Cabriolet Film Festival in Beirut.  In August 2023, Chloe’s photographs were featured at the Beirut Art District’s “Through The Lens of Rising Photographers” exhibition. In February 2024, her photographs were exhibited at the Beirut Art District’s “Winter Photo Fair” exhibition.

The intuitive film lab is a unique experience and I would encourage everyone I know and love to apply. It’s definitely not easy but this is what makes it this special. “Go and film with your guts”, this is what Muriel told us. “Go and film with your guts… So what you’re saying is that I have to trust and believe in myself? How else would that work…?’ Oh but it works magic. Our only responsibility throughout the film lab and creative process was to be true and honest with ourselves.I remember the first days I started filming, camera in hand, I was roaming around wondering what I was doing in this program, and then it happened. I started seeing differently: perspectives, colours, shapes, forms, people. I started seeing life the way I wanted to. The film lab taught me so much. On the creative side, it taught me to let go, it taught me that as long as I’m creating, I’m in the “right”, doing what makes my soul happy. It doesn’t matter what you were taught at school, all that matters is to have the courage to put yourself other and do your own art. And as Muriel says, there is no competition, each one of us is unique. It’s true, all 9 of us enrolled in the program are unique, and we rose together. We started as strangers and now we are family. We shared tears, smiles, laughters, quarrels, fatigue, frustration, all strong emotions that brought us all closer together. Filming can feel lonely sometimes but I know now that I have a support system and in turn, they have me. Muriel helped make all of this happen. She called us her children, rightfully so. We are her children of life. Tough but fair, you will want to strangle her at some point because she will push you to be the best you can be. She will teach you to stay true to yourself, she will guide you, adapting to everyone. What a responsibility. Dealing with 9 people, 9 artists, 9 personalities and so many emotions; and yet, she navigates to perfect with each one of us. We use the word “conductor” for Muriel but she’s much more than that, she’s a guide, she’s a light. She is an empath, dedicating her life to empower people through art. More people should be like her. This experience is only the beginning, the beginning of a beautiful journey of creativity. Thank you. Thank you Muriel, Denise, Adham, Tia, Rayan, Hadeel, Jawad, Maria, Kareem, Robert, Tarek, Lea and Sarah, and all the ones who participated in the creative process.

Maria Ghafary is a Lebanese filmmaker who graduated from Notre Dame University Louaize in 2017 with a degree in film studies. Throughout her career, she has primarily served as a director and producer, overseeing a diverse range of projects including short films, advertisements, music videos, and documentaries. Maria perceives film as a powerful medium for connecting with reality, striving to explore the depths of the human experience in both body and soul. Her work is characterized by a profound exploration of human complexity and beauty, reflecting her deep curiosity about the intricacies of human existence through her artistic lens.

Imagine a place where you are free to feel, express, and create. That’s the FilmLab. It’s a sanctuary for creators to embrace their authentic selves and channel their truest forms into an audiovisual masterpiece that is uniquely theirs. Led by Muriel, one of the most genuine and authentic humans and artists I’ve ever encountered, the FilmLab could only be as exceptional as it is because of her. Her profound way of perceiving and feeling the world deeply influenced all of us to be our truest selves. Her unwavering commitment to pushing us to deliver our best with honesty shattered my limits. For me, it was a transformative journey. Sharing a piece of myself with fellow humans and artists was profoundly intimate—it allowed me to connect deeply. In their eyes, I found acceptance instead of judgment, a fundamental principle instilled by the FilmLab that allowed me to express myself freely and authentically. Creatively, I learned to observe life through my lens without preconceived notions. I discovered how to listen to both inner and outer sounds and translate them into artistic expressions. Moreover, I learned introspection, uncovering what makes me unique as an artist and finding purpose in my work. The FilmLab has opened a new chapter in my journey. It was a beautiful experience that enabled me to unearth landscapes within myself—both as a creator and as a human—that were waiting to be shared with the world. This life-changing experience continues to reveal its impact on me, and I am eager to discover all the ways it has transformed me.

Kareem Nofal is a Syrian filmmaker based in Beirut. He received a scholarship opportunity in 2016 from MEPI (Middle East Partnership Initiative) to obtain his B.A. in TV and Film from the Lebanese American University.

Kareem has worked as a Writer and eSports advisor, as well as a creative producer with Cinemoz, as well as a cinematographer with Zeid Hamdan and Lynn Adib on their musical duo Bedouin Burger. His contribution to documentary film include Neighborhood of Creatures (2022), A Workshop and 5 Tales (2019) directed by Sabine El Chamaa, starring Nidal Al Achkar and as aneditor on “Bid Me Farewell” (2021).

Currently, Kareem works as a Communication Specialist with the Anti-Racism Movement (ARM).

My experience in the intuitive film lab was a breathtaking journey in creative liberations. I feel like my self-made shackles in practicing art have been broken beyond imagination. I’m now a much more confident filmmaker because I’ve truly gotten in touch with the poet within. I no longer feel the urge to overthink my art, I know exactly what to do and how to do, simply because I know I’ve done it before.

Robert Minassian, a Lebanese filmmaker of Armenian origins, is a practitioner in the realm of visual storytelling. Recognized for his work as a Production Designer on various Lebanese projects, including short films, music videos, and commercial advertisements, he incorporates diverse cultural influences into his creative endeavors. Embracing a multifaceted approach to storytelling, he has also ventured into the world of play performances, where he integrates set design to craft visually immersive experiences. Through a poetic lens, his films address themes of healing and transformation, inviting audiences to engage with reality from a unique perspective. No matter the medium, his art has always been linked to nature and moments in our everyday life.

Participating in the Intuitive Filmlab was a transformative experience for me. The whole process from day 1 felt like magic. The intuitive creative process was intense and rewarding, particularly given the theme of guilt. The filmlab taught me to be truthful to my emotions and to express them authentically using audiovisual language. I learned that creating visuals alone forms one world, and sound creates another, and when combined, they paint a universe. It opened my senses to the power and depth of audiovisual arts. Muriel, the conductor of the filmlab, was a guiding light throughout this experience. Her faith in the intuitive process and in us as artists deepened my confidence in myself and in the film I was creating. Muriel pushed me to express myself truthfully and to delve deeper into my emotions, which was both challenging and liberating. This experience has definitely changed my views on audiovisual arts. It has shown me the importance of being genuine and vulnerable in my artistic expressions. I will carry this experience into my own art, striving to create work that is not only visually and sonically compelling but also emotionally honest. I would wholeheartedly advise other filmmakers to join this filmlab. It felt like a daydream where time flew by, and before I knew it, the film had come to life. I was so immersed in the process that it not only introduced me to a new approach to creating art but also allowed me to discover more about myself. This journey was magical, and I believe it has the potential to inspire and transform any artist who participates.

Born in Montreal, Canada and raised in Tripoli, Lebanon, Mohamad Tarek Majzoub attended McGill University, earning a degree in Physics and Physiology. He later pursued a career in Film and Theater, graduating from the Lebanese American University (LAU) in 2021. Tarek’s films explore themes of wandering, self-discovery, and the search for inner and outer truths. Through his work, he aims to understand and reconcile his own emotions and experiences, seeking to find logical meanings in existence and deepen his connection with humanity and religion.

I remember during the interview process, Muriel asked me what I wanted to achieve through this Film Lab. I told her that I wanted to be able to express myself audiovisually in a more intuitive way. I wanted to be able to access my emotions and portray them without having to think and struggle too much.  Coming out of it, I feel like the fruit of this workshop is so much sweeter: I’ve gotten to know myself better. Self-reconciliation isn’t something I necessarily consciously aimed for going through this, but it is probably one of the things I cherish most looking back. I am very happy and fulfilled that I got to create a short film, as part of a beautiful series, but the self-love and self-confidence that came out of it, through Muriel’s compassion and sometimes incessant drive to pull everyone up to their roaring heights, is what will stay with me. The friendships I made, the nakedness with which we faced each other, in the loving and pure environment that Muriel creates, all allowed me to delve into myself and bring out the best and the worst, and to love both equally. For me, the process itself and the cinematic language which we experimented with was a unique one. I enjoyed learning a new method of audiovisual expression, and I think it will enhance whatever cinematic venture I will find myself in in the future. It broadened my perspective on what films could be, and consequentially, it allows me to approach filmmaking in a much more relaxed and confident way. The Film Lab is a very demanding process, but it was definitely worth all the effort and energy, because whatever I put in, I felt like I got back ten-fold, through all the self-work, the friends, and the wonderful community that I am now proud to be a part of.

Lea Skayem is from the vibrant city of Beirut, Lebanon, and have a deep love for storytelling, with a special focus on image and lighting. she holds a Master’s degree in Audiovisual Studies from l’Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts (ALBA) and studied Cinematography at l’École Nationale Supérieure Louis-Lumière (ENSLL) in France.

She feels fortunate to have attended workshops at the National Film School of Denmark (Den Danske Filmskole) and l’Institut National Supérieur des Arts du Spectacle et des Techniques de Diffusion de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (INSAS), which have greatly influenced her approach to film.
She worked on various projects, including movies, series, and advertisements, always aiming to create compelling visuals. In 2021, her photography was displayed at the Beirut Art Fair, an experience that profoundly impacted her creative journey.

Driven by a passion for visual composition and lighting, she is excited to continue her journey in the film industry. She looks forward to exploring new creative possibilities and collaborating with others who share the same dedication to crafting captivating visual stories.

Participating in the film lab to create an experimental film on the theme of guilt was a transformative experience that allowed me to delve deeply into the intertwined realms of art and life. This journey into the depths of my own emotions and experiences blurred the boundary between personal reality and artistic expression. Art is a mirror of life, capturing its complexities and subtleties. Through the process of making this film, I revisited and explored the multifaceted nature of guilt—both in the moment and retrospectively. Creating allowed me to relive and scrutinize my feelings, providing a deeper comprehension and insight that would have remained hidden without this artistic engagement. Engaging with film as the chosen medium allowed me to connect my internal experiences with the external world, transforming my reflections on guilt into a visual and auditory narrative. This experimental approach encouraged me to embrace vulnerability and genuineness, uncovering layers of identity and the human condition, and creating an artistic piece that resonates with the universal experience of this complex emotion. Sharing this experience with eight other artists made the process even more unique, challenging, and exciting. Witnessing their individual approaches and contributions enriched the overall project, offering diverse perspectives on the theme of guilt. None of this would have been possible without Muriele, the creator, who was our guiding light throughout the project. Her vision and leadership brought us together and made this profound artistic and personal exploration a reality. In conclusion, this film lab was not merely an exercise in filmmaking but a profound artistic journey. It merged life and art into a cohesive and meaningful whole. Through this process, I gained a deeper appreciation for the power of art to reflect, understand, and communicate the intricate tapestry of our lives.

Sarah Claux is a director, producer and yogi born in France with Italian and Spanish roots, the Mediterranean runs through her veins. At the age of 21, she left home to live in Bolivia. Since then she has lived abroad, camera in hand. In 2016, she discovered Lebanon, she started in 2017 the collective Niksa production in Lebanon, the country that adopted her. Almost deaf as a child, she grew up with the feeling of being on the other side of the screen. She made it her job, her way of life. Through her projects she transcribes the deep language of being, not only which is seen, but heard and above all felt.

Je voulais commencer par te remercier de l’opportunité de participer à l’experience du Filmlab. Une main tendue au moment opportun, comme quoi, la vie est bien faite. Suite à certaines expériences professionnelles quelques peu difficiles, j’avais perdu confiance en moi. Je me demandais je devais continuer sur cette voie. Et bien grâce à toi, j’ai une réponse à ma question. Je suis prête à continuer de plus belle. Rien, ni personne n’est parfait, ni moi, ni les autres et il faut apprendre à tirer partie du meilleur de chaque chose et de chacun. J’ai laissé libre cours au language de mes émotions et laissé paraitre mes imperfections : résultat, une confiance en moi qui a repris du poil de la bête et ça se ressent dans mon travail. Tu as ce don rare de savoir “guider d’une main de fer dans un gant de velour” comme dirait ma mère, un professionnalisme mêlé de bienveillance maternelle, tu as la clef pour réussir à nous souffler les secrets qui ouvrent toutes les portes que l’on se ferme de par le carcan que la société nous impose. Pour cela, et pour tout le reste, tout simplement merci. En espérant pouvoir continuer d’apprendre et de collaborer à tes cotés.

A film, theater and image maker based between Beirut and Paris, from where I also works in digital communication strategy. I am interested in both the socio-political and the spiritual, and how these affect our relationship with our environment(s), each other, and ourselves.

The Intuitive Film Lab is as its name suggests. Through it, I was able to further explore a visual language I had been shyly trying out, and then push it to new heights. It also offered me the space to express personal themes, and see how my work meshes with the rest to create one diverse and consistent series. That diversity is then reflected in the group of participants, which grew close very quickly, under the watchful eye of the Intuitive Film Lab conductor & team who made sure to push our voice further, lead us to give others feedback from the guts and heart not the mind, and then do the same to us with honest and poetic reactions to our works. I am beyond grateful to have participated in this lab, and wish it to everyone who is eager to explore the creative potential of throwing oneself into a beautifully and strictly curated process which has one goal: to help each artist get where they need to go in both content and form.

A filmmaker/cinematographer and hobbyist musician, studied at IESAV USJ. I am fascinated by the creative process that translates the surrounding realities into audiovisual mediums, and how much self-discovery it can ignite.

The group was very dynamic, and it made this little journey more pleasant and fruitful, and heavier at the same time. We were witnessing each other’s fears translated into each one’s own language, and communicating about it at every session helped us to get to know each others at a deep level in a very little time, through art. The process was smooth in a way that time went real quick, in one month, I had a film. Every phase throughout the making of this film had its own space and importance. Working on the image separately from the sound added a new layer to my filmmaking experience, and with the help of our mentors and colleagues, it was easier to stay focused on the feeling I was trying to communicate. Muriel being by our side was tremendously helpful and empowering, when she’s delicately giving insights on the core of the film and how its feeling without going into the deep thinking.

A filmmaker based in Beirut, Lebanon. I use my work to explore myself and my own experiences. I am interested in the art of others and draw inspiration from a variety of sources to inform my own work. With a deep passion for visual storytelling and a background in film and theater, I have developed a keen eye for the nuances of human emotion and behavior, which I weave into my films. My film-making practice spans from directing to producing and cinematography, allowing me to craft deeply personal narratives.

This experience pushed me to dig in the darkest part of my psyche and to explore my deepest fears, something I usually try to avoid. At first, I didn’t understand how pure intuition would lead me to create a film, but surprisingly, everything just flowed naturally. I found myself shooting randomly and everything magically came together. I took something dark and unsettling from within me and poured it into this film, which ended up freaking me out a bit. But there was a certain undeniable beauty in the process. Being so deeply connected to an emotion had a kind of magical quality that’s hard to describe. There were moments when the emotion consumed me so much that it felt like I was on a wild trip, However, the true challenge lay in knowing when to disconnect, when to regain control. Balancing the immersion in fear’s embrace with the need to step back became a test of my resilience. Through this process, I learned the art of navigating the threshold, finding strength in knowing when to disengage and reclaim my equilibrium. Our gatherings at Muriel’s rooftop every weekend became a cherished treasure in my life. The eight fellow filmmakers, chosen by Muriel, somehow felt like soul friends to me. Despite knowing only, a little of their personal lives, I formed profound connections with these beautiful artists and for me connecting with eight people without knowing much about them was beyond gold. somehow, understanding each other went beyond words. Our shared passion brought us closer, and I truly believe that all nine films interplay with each other in a remarkable way. Not to forget about the incredible team that made it all happen, Denise Jabbour the hero behind the curtains, Adeeb who was always there to support, and Shadi, whom it was fun catching him in the act, attempting those sneaky closeups without anyone noticing. Working with Victor and Elias was simply amazing, their contributions truly elevated our work. Adham’s feedback was like a symphony of words, surpassing any poetry, his warm presence created an environment where vulnerability could thrive. And how could I ever overlook Shukriye’s precious food. Last but certainly not least, Muriel, the most amazing force behind it all. She showered us with pure love and pushed us to create, reminding us of why we live for this art. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of something truly special.

As a filmmaker, I have always found myself exploring new forms of expression, which led me to the world of experimental and multimedia arts. A constant source of this influence have always been the intersection of nature and creativity. Books, archiving art materials and alternative art forms, also serve as sources that ultimately helped in constructing my views and vision as an artist. Thus, I always strive to create provoking artworks that would leave meaningful impacts.

The intuitive film lab was an immersive journey into a new realm in arts. I always had the fear of vulnerability, especially in groups, but this time it was so different. It was safe to just be, to unveil my emotions without any judgements. I was given a chance to simply reflect on myself without any restrictions. That’s one thing I was always so hesitant about. The amount of love, support and kindness i received is inexplicable. We witnessed our journeys unfold so beautifully, despite all the heaviness of our “fears”. This journey of two months, opened my eyes on the importance of embracing each other with everything we have to say. It was never about what we “think”, it was always about how we “felt”. Which brought me to the belief that this journey is a one life changing experience for artists.

A Lebanese film graduate from Saint Joseph University (IESAV). I worked as an assistant director and segment director on several music videos and TV shows. Since 2019, I have been working as a digital content producer at Middle East Broadcasting Center (MBC). I am looking to branch out into short films.

I feel so lucky being part of “home of CineJam” intuitive training programs for the second time. I started intuitively tapping into my inner creativity 10 years ago, by attending “Cine-Jam”. This year, the “Intuitive Film Lab” made me dive deeper into my purest human feelings, turning them into a genuine audiovisual manifestation. The Intuitive Film Lab was a reminder for me, to stay true to myself as an artist. When driven by intuition, there is no restrictions, no right and wrong, no good and bad, no weak and strong. Just a genuine reflection of our inner selves, a light transforming into a light. Sharing our feelings towards each participant’s film, throughout the whole process, was a great challenge to learn how to feel instead of thinking, and how to dive into ourselves through the images and sounds we receive, instead of judging them based on what we know. And most importantly, I have met beautiful artists with whom I felt a great eternal connection. One of the reasons that made this filmlab affect my vision of filmmaking and art in general, is Muriel Aboulrouss, a beautiful artist, an enthusiastic light keeper, and a great teacher. As a conductor, Muriel was able to provide a supportive, genuine and inspiring environment, helping us to explore our artistic vision and unleash our creativity with no fear and hesitation. I have learned a lot from Muriel and dared a lot, and I’m really thankful for having her by my side in this journey.

Yara Amache graduated with a B.A. in Film-making from the Lebanese American University of Beirut in 2021. She has participated in the 2016 intensive summer program in “Prague Film School”. She has performed in several plays in Masrah El Madina like “Tenfeeseh by Awad Awad” where she had also assisted in the coordination of the Mishkal Festival (2018-2019)
and has performed in Zoukak Theatre ” Inkishat by Line Itani”.

She has worked as a videographer and editor with Beirut Heritage Initiative in 2022 and is currently working with UNESCO on the documentation of the Sursock Palace rehabilitation program. In addition to freelancing as a video editor with ‘Khateera’ starting 2023.

The intuitive filmmaking workshop provided a transformative experience that stands out from any other creative experience I’ve been through. It awakened a childlike presence within me, reconnecting me with my instinctual ability to be fully present in the moment. Witnessing the alignment of my energy with the fear I explored and observing the responsive unfolding of my external reality was truly magical. However, transforming your internal and external reality into a collaborator and learning to trust the process requires a tremendous amount of courage, but the rewards are undoubtedly worth it. The film I created felt like a collaborative creation, infused with the collective energy of the group. We all contributed to each other’s work, and the vulnerability displayed by the participants inspired my own creative journey. Muriel played a vital role in ensuring that my work reached its most crystallized form without compromising its essence. Her unwavering support and involvement in every step of the way made me feel supported and never alone. I am deeply inspired to carry the purity of this method into my future projects, as it has empowered me to deconstruct the notion of control and the need to intellectualize the creative process. This lab has brought me closer to discovering my own unadorned language of expression, and it’s quite a liberating outcome. This experience is valuable for anyone whose willing to face themselves without judgement and explore transformative experiences.

A resilient human being who believes in love, faith, and hope, 24 years old translation student and audiovisual creator. Having always been a creative person, creativity always intended to show in my daily life. Since I was young I loved photography and loved languages too, so today I work in both fields. My goals are always to grow bigger than my fears, so I always aim to rebel as I’ve done before: rebel on my past self, my family, my community and everyone or everything which might stand in the way of life’s flow. That is how I became the person I am today.

The intuitive film lab is a unique experience which does not focus on the technicality of filmmaking but on the importance of creating based on an internal motive based on truth and guts. The experience was eye opening for me as a self taught artist since the whole process was not based on how much we knew but on how much we felt and expressed. The team was a huge part of the adventure, as artists we rose together and lived an emotional experience which cannot be taught through classical education. The film lab conductor was objectively truthful and the honesty led each of us to be truthful in turn. I do advise this experience to other filmmakers for them to rediscover the truthful call which led them to shoot, edit, and share films.

Being born in a very mixed Lebanese family allowed me from my young age to build a free personality, very different from the people around me; the different languages, cultures and regions inspired me to become the person I am.

For a long time I knew that I wanted to become an actor for the passion to embody characters that do not resemble me and to use all my creativity. which later led me to meet the 7th art “CINEMA”, where I became the creator of these characters where I want to express all my ideas and dreams without limits.

The creative process was very intense, I learned to listen to myself first, to create in a group, to share and let our ideas spread in the group, and the most important thing is to transform our emotions into sounds and images. The most important thing is that we had to be very secure and the protection of Muriel really helped us to be true and also delivering the assistance of the whole team helped the procedure to go smoothly. I recommend this program for any artist to live a unique experience and experience the true power of image and sound.

Born in 1995, Charbel Chouchany is a Lebanese filmmaker currently based in Beirut. He primarily functions as a director, photographer, and videographer, contributing his talents to diverse projects ranging from commercials, documentaries to short films.

Throughout his film studies, he successfully acquired a bachelor’s degree from the American University of Technology. Furthermore, he gained invaluable experience through a one-year filmmaking workshop he attended in Italy back in 2018.

The creative process was mesmerizing in terms of its deep personal nature. The program allowed me and evey other participant to delve into their fears and uncover buried memories, using them as the building blocks for our stories. This collective process provided insights into oneself as an artist and highlighted the importance of authenticity and honesty. The group was a crucial element of the program. Within the safe community, it was not just about the artistic goal itself, but also a perceptive exploration of how each artist artistically portrays their own unique fears. This sense of belonging and artistic freedom can only be found within the comfort of this community. From the very beginning, the conductor of the film lab, Muriel, established herself as a person worthy of trust. Her methods and guidance in implementing the process to achieve a greater vision were mesmerizing. Muriel remarkably navigated the delicate process, providing well-placed criticism that helped us dig our own paths throughout the program. Trusting and surrendering to her expertise allowed us to witness the magic of this distinctive process. This experience has significantly changed my perception of writing. I was always hooked with aesthetic and beauty, often overlooking the uniqueness that comes from one’s own self. I have realized the significance of embracing my own voice and experiences as a child, allowing this to shape my narratives in a profound and personal way. Overall, it has been a transformative shift in my artistic approach. I’m eager to see what comes next. I highly recommend this program, but it’s not meant for everyone. There are certain types of filmmakers that can truly appreciate this, some others might not. Aside from that, filmmakers such as writers, directors, and cinematographers can gain a new artistic insight and perspective that can greatly benefit them in their creative endeavors.

I am a writer, music journalist, and communications professional. After years inside corporate cubicles, I’m excited to be participating in the intuitive film lab, with more films and articles to follow. Graduated with a masters in sustainability and bachelors in Journalism, and passionate about third-culture identity, feminism, and Arab anthropology.

It’s not just the learning of what is authentic or learning to feel instead of rationalize through the powerful languages of video and audio. The process of this Intuitive Filmlab peeled away my defensive layers, both insecurities and pride, and guided me in that commercially called safe space to really battle my deepest fears. Imagine you find your artistic voice enhanced by your favorite teacher, then deconstructed within a community of your favorite peers, and constructed again with the most professional support. Muriel calls it magical, and my subconscious appreciates it as metaphysical healing.

I am a storyteller, I portray reality with all its brutality and tenderness, film is my medium, but I won’t restrict myself.

The intuitive film lab woke up my intuition and made me realize i am an artist. Muriel is a conductor and mentor from another planet (in a good way)

I am a Beirut-based filmmaker and audiovisual storyteller working in film, media, and the performing arts since 2010. My work often focuses on portraying and empowering underdogs and marginalized individuals. In 2019, I co-founded Fawra Media, an independent media outlet that tells the stories usually missed out on by traditional mainstream media.

The film lab brought me the joy in cinema I had when I was a child, shooting short films on our family’s hand-me-down handycam. It brought back a relationship with art I thought I once lost, when reality hit the fan in my growing years.

I am a living, breathing creative content producer, filmmaker, and editor with a deep fascination for words and wordplay. I love writing songs and poetry, and I believe laughter cures illness. I once jumped out of a first-floor window for no apparent reason and if we play Truth or Dare, you’re in for the ride of your life.

The Intuitive Filmlab has given me great insight into how to express my emotions through film. What’s more is that it has helped me change my relationship with myself and others including family, for which I am very grateful. I am also very grateful for the massive support and encouragement I received from the coordinators and my peers.

I am a Lebanese filmmaking graduate with a long experience working in the field as a first assistant director/Line producer. I started my career in 2011.

Luckily my job is my passion, my hobby, so I practice love that defies societal expectations to let my work do the talking in order to unlock the potential of every team I work with.

I long to capture stories that inspire people and I strive to share my vision to explore our relationship with this nature and ourselves, so I gather my eyes with people’s eyes and see what my mind would project of the person I wish to find in me. Getting a life-changing experience into the mind of people is my every time calling.

When I first got to the “intuitive film lab” I didn’t expect this deep subconscious cleansing to be taken with me… I experienced my subconscious fears, so I became more aware of my inner self, I learned how to identify what I’m feeling for the situation I’m in, not the one that is more comfortable, so I didn’t run from my vulnerable part of who I am and I believe that’s the part that will lead anyone to magical adventures and great opportunities. I thank Muriel Aboulrouss for giving me the opportunity to observe myself honestly and without judgment, this was a beautiful journey of emotional growth.

I am a self-made hardworking and dedicated storyteller. I am a Human Rights Defender and history enthusiast who uses his passion for visuals and art and history to create and document compelling stories.

As someone coming from a technical background, it was always a challenge for me to tackle content and feelings, especially converting my feelings into visuals. This filmlab made me dig deep through my emotions and feelings, to places i rarely go. It gave me and 8 other people a chance to share our emotions and stories. to create bonds and connections. and a bigger change to share our feelings with other people. I am grateful I was part of this overwhelming experience. If I had to give the shortest description of this lab is a heart/eye opening experience.

I am a film director and storyteller and everything in between. I believe cinema is the gate to our subconscious mind where answers are buried. Making movies is a self-discovery journey where we allow others to see, feel and hear parts of who we are. I believe anyone can make a movie if he/she is truly, honestly connected to their inner self.

The filmlab was amazing! Muriel Aboulrouss is an extremely competent person and really knows how to engage us in the process. From day one till the end of the lab we were in deep connection with how to create intuitively our audiovisual creation. The process was very interesting and the discussion were truly inspiring I particularly enjoyed it. I learned a lot and I have the feeling that all these useful techniques will be used in my futur projects. This filmlab is a must and highly recommended for anyone who wants to be true to himself and for his creation. Thanks again for the amazing experience.

I am a storyteller, I love to tell all kinds of stories through photography and film. Photography for me is amazing just the thought of telling a story with one frame makes me feel excited I’m also a sound healer, Sound for me is the symmetry of the image, And when I discovered that sound waves are so powerful that they have the ability to heal people this is where I wanted to create more, art for me is my way of freedom and expression.

The filmlab for me was one of a kind process. It really helped me in places where I was creatively stuck. While doing my project in the beginning my mind was working all the time, this process helped me using my heart, my mind and my gut at the same time and made me realize that I really enjoy filmmaking and storytelling. its my way of expression and my medicine. the best thing about it is that I’m in a unique creative process with many other artists that turned into family in the end.

I am a director/cinematographer, rooted in the poetic style, Grabbing moments in film that defy the language and time barriers.

The Intuitive Filmlab was more like a filmmaker’s advanced class. You learn how to connect to your inner intuition and shape it to manifest as a film. Its content is made for experienced filmmakers and strong-minded honest people. So if anyone decided to apply to the filmlab they have to be physically and mentally capable. The Intuitive Filmlab is a one step forward kind of an experience and I highly recommend it for experienced filmmakers!

Ghina is an Arabic name that means singing or to sing, and I am a filmmaker. Two years ago, I  decided to put aside my camera and be involved in manual labor as part of my discernment with the Little Sisters of Jesus. Two years that changed me, that taught me to be bold, human,  minimal, and true to myself. Now as I come back to filmmaking, I can’t but feel the urge to be as authentic in filming, as I was when I let go of the camera. I wish through my work that I can deliver the blessing that I felt during these two years.

At first, I was afraid to be a part of this film lab, because I was afraid of competition, to be part of a closed group. I was afraid of my own feelings of jealousy. I am happy now that I did not listen to these voices and these doubts, that I followed my intuitive need to take a chance on a new adventure; the “Cine-Jam film lab”. There is something very beautiful that we experienced. I can see now that every individual in this group was able to create a very honest and authentic film that reflects who they are. There was no way to compare our films or each other as we were required to simply be our unique selves. There is something Muriel was always saying during the film lab: “Be honest towards your emotions and listen to your intuition, why do you need to understand to be able to feel?”. I hold these words within me, to apply in Art, in my spiritual and mundane life as well. I understand now that our emotions guide us to ourselves. My film is ME and I am proud of it. I cannot watch it and doubt its value because when I look at it, I realize how much it represents me and that makes me so happy. The world needs more of that to create change. I am so grateful to have met everyone in this group, Sherine, Marie- Rose, Gilbert, Bachir, Valentina, Jean-Pierre. I was happy to see Aline and Amar who are my closest friends, in a different frame. I feel that I know them more now and I’m happy we went through this together. I also got to know Muriel on a closer level. I got to feel her soul, to witness her passion and faith in planting seeds in us.

Drifting through existence with curiosity. Sometimes the spaces lose their identities and become a decor for me to populate. As a unique child, fantasy was my game. As an adult,  fantasy saved me from a lot of sadness. As I try to cope with what my country is going through since day one of my existence, the news started losing its realism, death became an act, and destroyed buildings look like huge designed cardboard. “Ana Beirut” presented an opportunity to discuss the feeling of being a  watcher who is getting detached day after day from this city’s reality.

I can summarize my “Ana Beirut” experience by saying that it was a much-needed exchange between fellow artists who were all seeking catharsis from the cumulative darkness in which our country is falling. The jamming we had was that of parents adopting each other’s babies. Each of the films was delivered by the small community we managed to create. We poured feelings into the comments instead of the judgment of any kind, artistic or opinionated. I came out of this wave of positive and constructive lift-off both in art and in the personal sense, comforted with the certainty that intuitive emotions are the core of every true artistic declaration.

I am an explorer who travels between many paths, discovering new communities, new faces,  and new streets. I am looking for several experiences through reflections and opportunities offered by life. Today, I am experiencing the “Ana Beirut” intuitive film lab by Home of Cine-Jam as a path by which I am searching for myself through creation. 

The idea of belonging to a group of Filmmakers was the farthest thing from my mind! I was afraid of the commitment, of being put on the same level as others, of creating a film within a month, and with such a daunting subject: “Ana Beirut”. Aline, Ghina and I all said: it’ll be all of us or no one! I submitted. I submitted to be myself, I submitted to translate my feelings through visuals and audio, I submitted to be authentic and nothing else. It was tough, emotional, honest, true, and unpredictable. Our feelings were growing week after week, the images were clearer, the voices came up in a three-dimensional form, something that you couldn’t accept. In this film lab, I discovered a lot about myself. I met beautiful people who are part of my life now. With Muriel, I learned how to feel, not how to think, and how to follow our hearts, so we can create a film that reveals our souls. We are precious, we are unique, we try to make a difference with art. I love my film, I love what I have gone through, I love the choice I made to live in Beirut, I love Beirut.

Today, I don’t know who I am. I used to be an ambitious filmmaker until the 4th of August 2020  came. One year later, I feel like a shadow floating in a decomposing city under reconstruction.  During the October 17 Revolution, I moved back to the city to fight and be part of the change;  however, change happened on the 4th of August when everything collapsed and uncertainty became king. Beirut what makes me come back to you? I joined the cine-jam film lab “Ana  Beirut” to try to understand my feelings and redefine my relationship with what’s left of you.

If I had one word to summarize my experience with Cine-Jam Film Lab, conducted by Muriel Aboulrouss, I would say it was MAGICAL. Just after the blast of the 4th of August 2020, I was rebuilding my home, taking care of my wounds, and trying to get things back to normal. In the process, things changed and all of Beirut’s citizens felt it. We were really down, trying to cope with what we had left in this city of fear and uncertainty. The call of ‘Ana Beirut The Series’ came just in time, a few months into my healing process with my therapist. I accepted the terms of the workshop and decided to face my fears and talk about the city and my feelings towards it. I took the challenge as part of my healing process. I followed my intuition to create a movie with no script, no preparation, only genuine emotions. The process was new to me and bringing out my deepest feelings wasn’t easy at first, especially when it came to listening to my inner voice and my deepest emotions to create a movie that would reflect them. During the workshop, I realized that everything we resent can become the infrastructure of artwork; a base we can build on to paint a true image of what we want to say. I did my best to reconnect with myself and hear what others felt while watching the rushes in the nonjudgmental setting that aimed to narrow down, channel, and develop my piece of art. I never thought that I could make a movie about what happened after the 4th of August; however, extracting my feelings during the workshop helped me regain confidence and clarity while boosting my self-esteem to be the artist I had put aside. This workshop taught me that sincere emotions are essential to create any true artwork, an artwork that can be a real soul healer and that’s what is MAGICAL about it all.

I was small and afraid. So happy and excited, but afraid. Camera in hand, the possibilities were vast, so vast I feared choosing. My teacher looked at me and smiled, I felt relief wash over me… now courageous the picture snapped in focus before my eyes. I chose life, and when I  started shooting, I captured nothing but death! I got scared! Again, my teacher came back to  me and whispered “this is Cinema, it brings out the life from the pits of death!” I calmed, I  smiled and I went to Beirut because Cinema is Beirut and I am Beirut.

When my phone rang that day and I got invited to join the film lab, it felt like a breath of fresh air. Circumstances change overnight, don’t they? My choice to be in the arts and in filmmaking was an impulsive one. I don’t consciously know the reasons for that choice. All I know is that my entire being and feelings are mesmerized with all kinds of art and artistic forms of expression. Especially the audiovisual art form. I knew right from the start that my struggle wasn’t with Beirut itself, nor Lebanon, nor the system. I went into that workshop and came out of it still hating this city and country. That didn’t change. But that wasn’t all. In that film lab, I met some young men and women who have a way of feeling, expressing and approaching things that were different from mine. The only thing we had in common was our love of cinema. They held me when I didn’t have the strength to hold myself. From day 1, my questions to myself started making their way to the surface. Questions about what I truly wanted, what I loved, who I was, what I was, my relationship with Beirut through my own relationship with myself, with my family, my past, my present, my fears, etc. To be honest, I wasn’t ready for this journey. This Film-Lab allowed me to express my deepest self, in all honesty, along with its aspirations, its own style and identity. I fully chose that. But I must admit, it’s a dense kind of workshop that communicates with the soul, and mine isn’t ready to do that just yet. Ana Beirut #5 is my episode, it’s nothing more than the fruit of a number of struggles that helped me understand and analyze myself. I am grateful and in debt to everyone who helped me and supported me in this creative process. Ultimately, this workshop introduced me to a new cinematic style and signature which I might or might not explore in the future. The experience of it is truly worthy of mentioning. But above all, this workshop got me one step, albeit small, closer to myself, and that’s what I need more than ever right now.

A curious human being with a head full of questions about life. Son of a firefighter and a nurse.  Seeking true happiness amidst unfairness spreading on a spot of land called Beirut.  The latest creations turning life upside down, a baby called Maria. Ana Beirut, a cinematic gift in these hard times and a trial to reconnect with myself and to find answers.

Joining this film lab was a mature decision to escape from all the loudness, noise and chaos we live in. It was an authentic film creation experience far away from the mainstream and the common rules. Meeting and sharing with other artists allows you to join as an individual and leave with the spirit of many held in your heart. There’s something addictive about this 40-day experience, we always want more … Rooftop, Food, Cinema & Beirut what a hell of a combination! Thanks to Muriel Aboulrouss, the person behind this enriching initiative.

A filmmaker with a pocketful of dreams. Living one day at a time, enjoying the little things in life and loving art in all its beauty. They say people who don’t know how to express themselves are the best listeners. Well, here I am. Therefore, relying on arts is the most comfortable way to communicate, express myself and heal. Since our voices are barely heard, my work comes to portray my heart, my thoughts, my feelings towards everything happening, and it feels like a  therapy. I get attached to people and places easily, so imagine what does Beirut means to me,  the city I have lived in since I was a little girl. People and the cities are my main inspirations because they are the most realistic aspects in life. When you look around, everything is really daring. We dare to dream, to love, to live. Being part of Home of Cine-Jam & “Ana Beirut” the series is a step forward to self-love, faith in our own abilities, change and making peace. 

When I first got invited to join the Cine-Jam film lab conducted by Muriel Aboulrouss, I didn’t think twice and willingly said yes to this new adventure. I felt it was a much-needed experience amidst this chaos and uncertainty we’re living in, and it could be my only sweet escape. Being part of Ana Beirut the series, was an opportunity to explore ourselves and the city we live in, to discuss our feelings towards everything that’s happening. The place felt like home, the artists became family. Everything felt like a therapy process of creating authentic films that reflect who we really are, what we are feeling, how we are reacting. Sharing this personal piece of ourselves to the world is very challenging, but more importantly, it’s definitely a step forward towards self-love, healing, faith in our abilities, change and making peace. May art remain the only ray of hope in this country.

I risk and throw myself in everything that I want. Breaker of rules; I overuse my energy because it makes me feel fresh and extremely alive. I am open to receive from this universe, especially when it’s out of my control because it feels magical. To me, nothing is impossible, I am always dreaming and imagining. I don’t plan for the future; I just live in the now. Wild is my lifestyle. I  love cinema, dance, theater, music, sports. I love interacting with people but I hate the media and the whole system we live in. Whatever happens in Lebanon I will stay and fight. “ANA  BEIRUT” was a chance for her to meet beautiful people and for inner voices to relieve all the love and emotions out loud through an authentic cinematic expression. Lebanon I will stay and fight.

The Cine-Jam Film Lab & “Ana Beirut” was a one-of-a-kind experience where the Home of Cine-Jam roof held our stories, our struggles, our laughs, cries, and love. Where we let out our emotions and learn from them. It was a healer and a happy place. I wished I could take all of that environment with me because we all need to say things out loud and break the fears, to dare to dig deep into ourselves purely, with simplicity and honesty. Artistically the Cine-Jam Filmlab was a process that all the universities and artists should learn from!! It’s a process of artistic self-growth reaching intuitive creations and constructive communications. There are no rules or a system judging us… there was an authentic exchange in Art and in Life…We were all “Ana Beirut”

At 6 years old, I was on the bus and a little bit sad. I was feeling very different than my other classmates, in my school environment. When I felt a sudden clarity, my eye became bigger,  bigger than the bus and everything. I looked at the girl in the back of the bus, one of my classmates, her mother by her side; and I thought: “would I be the same if I was her? living her  life?” That same eye answered: “Yes of course, yes!” Then I looked at my mom and myself,  with that external eye. I felt that despite all the complexity of my life. I really preferred to be  Shérine. I was happy with myself. 30 years later. I’m still …happy to be Shérine.

I joined “Ana  Beirut” because it’s a way for me to deeply connect with other creators, process my environment, and mostly to dwell in my inner current, as an artist, this time through filmmaking.  And like a muscle, strengthened my inner stability, in the purest and Vivid way. 

I didn’t want to take part in this filmlab at first. I had decided never to touch the cameras anymore. But this was more than a tool story. This initiative is above all an immersion into oneself. Witnessing a dominant emotion, meeting it in-depth, and letting clarity emerge. Poetically. And even if I didn’t want to express the darkness of my feeling yet. Once more, I realized, on a deeper level, that it’s always a way to fully expose the light and its beauty, which I now choose to consciously cultivate in my life, in this city that is Beirut, and in this country that is Lebanon. To mainly cultivate Beauty and freshness. The Cine-Jam film lab and Ana Beirut the series, is a long-term project that will go on in the next years, highlighting artists, what a precious gift! Tasting all of these essences! Awakening creators and this city to everything that it is. I’m very grateful to have created one episode. It’s a real intuitive and collaborative project where it’s not the ego that speaks but rather the essence of each one, the scents of life. And the many scents of a city, here, Beirut. Beirut, that is very present, far beyond its injuries. Thank you Home of ciné jam for your great support.

Vojtech Votypka is a Director of photography, Colorist, Editor and Digital composer. He has hard work ability at once with sustainable pro work result even under very difficult conditions. He has a strong motivation, sense for responsibility & flexibility. 

Cine-Jam was a surprising challenge, I was sure it would be difficult for me, but a complex event like this one was a must in my life. Cine-Jam is very strong in it’s concept, uncovering the hidden in us can be exciting and painful at the same time but still, serves a great purpose under the very sensitive lead of Muriel Aboulrouss. Being part of this workshop is like taking a great voyage, with a brand new crew, who reach for new borders that extend their horizon; to become more creative, original, intuitive and emotional. It just brings new spirit to conventional ways of filmmaking in producing strong films that can touch you.

Barbora Debnárová (Dancer), born in 1990 in Slovakia´, in the small village of Vlkanová. She is a student in the Academy of Performing Arts. Specializing in the department of “Mime/Nonverbal Theatre”. She loves movement, people, adventures & laughing.

Cine-Jam gave me a place where I felt like in a family’s home. Cine-Jam gave me a place to think about my inner self. I stopped thinking about dramaturgy, how my work will look, if people will understand my story, my feelings… me. It made me ask new questions about myself, about all the pictures inside of my head and all the feelings I have. I forget about describing my feelings, it’s hard, I get confused, but you helped me. It was wonderful observing and seeing how other jammers feel and see the world around us. For me it was interesting to see my feelings through the camera, not only through theatre. Cine-Jam is a good way to transform feelings and make marvel out of them.

Emma Piper-Burket films, writes, collects, and explores; focusing on non-fiction media and the blurry lines surrounding it. She prefers film to video, old to new, hand-made to mass-produced, and never says no to a home cooked meal. She graduated from Georgetown University in 2005 and is currently studying for an MFA in film directing at FAMU in Prague. She graduated in 2015 and ready to conquer the world.

There are very few opportunities to explore with such heart and rigor. Cine-Jam gives us that and I am extremely grateful for it. As artists – and beginning Artists – it’s something that we do individually as we try to find our way to our center, but it’s very special to be able to do this in a group environment. The warmth and safety of it all, really does make Cine-Jam so unique and it is an experience I really wish for all. Thank you Muriel for creating this space. I carry it and all of you with me from here on.

Sona Jelinkova is 25 years old, she is a bachelor at FAMU film school, Prague – Czech republic. She is passionate about singing and her dream is making films about eternal love and fairy tales.

I was waiting for this opportunity, being without strict analysis, without any expectations only strong emotive pictures, which is a must for a human like me. It’s hard to accept who you are, because you must accept the consequences of your behavior, it’s a big responsibility. Muriel was my first real teacher, she saw in me the little girl who can grow up. She called me a creator and I started to believe that I can change the world, as long as I am honest with my feeling towards the world, history, fear and the desire to be loved. The world is about sharing and the art is about whispering to the soul: there is hope

Ilona Malá works in animation & editing. She studied contemporary art and design at Západočeská univerzita. Now she studies editing at FAMU. Making films is like painting by time and she loves painting. Her favorite meal is apple pie. 

Beautiful changes Muriel, like a light in the countryside. Cine-Jam brings us knowledge through simply everything. You know, the universe, the soul, the sun and the people. Before this jamming experience, I believed in goodness inside everyone… Hidden, but it is there. Now I know how to discover it… by the heart. I want to keep this. I think you are making something very important, you can help us to love ourselves, please don’t stop. Please, the whole world needs people like you. I’ll try to share these experiences with other people I meet. Cine-Jam really creates a friendly atmosphere, not only every artist but also every human being should go through this kind of experience. As an artist, now I know how to discover the real meaning behind the artist’s masterpiece.

Xiaolu Hu, comes from Shanghai, China. She is an Erasmus student in FAMU now and she will finish her master degree in Film Directing at California Institute of the Arts, USA. She wants to be a cat, which can catch all the sensitive beauties. Her dream is to shoot some films, which are focused on people’s stories in developed or underdeveloped countries all over the world.

Cine-Jam saved my life. I was staying in bed for two weeks because I didn’t feel I belong here in Prague, but I made the smart decision to take this workshop with Muriel. It really changed me! I felt that life is not that sad or depressive anymore! For me now, there’s hope, love and beauty in the future. Muriel has a very strong heart and everyone in this workshop gave me courage and power. It is not just about films. The most important feeling I got from this workshop is “understanding”, it’s about how to evoke your inside world and awaken your deep soul. If we can follow our heart, every film will be the best, because of the genuine and pure emotion it holds. In everything, filmmaking, creating art, cooking, laughing, follow the heart and Jam.

Silke worked as an author, music journalist and TV-Production assistant before turning to the screen. She is currently completing a screenwriting course at DFFB, Deutsche Film- und Fernsehakademie Berlin, writing movies, short stories, poems, images and sounds, and living her dream of bringing them to life.

Do you know that I almost didn’t come to cine-jam? Although I applied ages ago and was really looking forward to it. For some reason I found myself sitting in bed, crying, feeling really confused and not wanting to go. It had something to do with being pregnant and not wanting to travel alone… but that’s not all; I already knew what was coming: a very cathartic experience, during which I had to come to terms with a lot of my deep fears that felt painful sometimes but also very liberating. Thank you and thank you my fellow jammers!

Wai Mar Nyunt is from Yangon, Myanmar (Burma). She studied Fine Arts at University of Culture in Yangon. She had done some group art shows including some installations & video art before she started studying film in 2008 at a documentary filmmaking workshop. She had made some documentaries for NGOs, short fictions with FAMU-Burma workshops and in 2009 she got an offer for scholarship from Film and TV School of Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (FAMU), Czech Republic. 

I think I am happily sinking at the bottom of my heart. Living in Europe, studying film at FAMU, have been a turning point in my life and Cine-Jam is the taste I have needed for myself. Studying abroad has not been easy for me at all. There are things that I’m going to keep as sweet memories and there are things that I’m going to carry all my life. Four weekends with Cine-Jam, the amazing people I met and my discovery, will be a space that I am keeping with me all my life. Thank you Cine-Jam.

Najib Chamchoum (May 1985), born in Lebanon raised between Nigeria and Lebanon he developed a passion for arts and in particular the seventh art. Currently Najib is getting a degree in film-making and scriptwriting, The artistic side of Najib spans from writing poetry and prose, leading to painting and drawing. He Works on graduate films as a scriptwriter, and assistant director, he is also freelancing within the field in pursuit of more experience 

I don’t know what to say honestly… THANK YOU is just too simple for this whole experience… Since the moment I saw the first and second batch films till I met you, through the moment I met the jammers of my group (3rd batch)… my new family… this has been one hell of an Epic pilgrimage! Cine-Jam made me realize how simple it can be to combine emotions and portray them in a film so that others can feel with us no matter where they are in the world. I want to say that I love your watching eye over all of us… I want to hug the rest of the world with feelings, emotions, films, love & light.

Born august 1986, Alicia graduated from USEK in 2009, where she created her first short film “wala shi”. Her second short “Ya-qa-za” came to life through “Cine-jam” a filmmaking workshop by Muriel Aboulrouss. She currently work in Art direction, and looking forward for a new short film.  

Tornado, love, adventure, emotion, trip, authenticity, beautiful people. I don’t want this to end but it has to. Cine-Jam gave me a lot to carry. I can’t find words to express it but it will come one day I am sure.

Born in Jounieh, 1990. In 2013 Elsy directed and shot her first short film “I call it love”, for which she earned the degree in audio-visual studies at The Holly Spirit University – Kaslik, Lebanon. In the same year, she took part in “Cine-Jam”, a filmmaking workshop where I created my 2nd short film “MaKro”. For Elsy, Cinematography & filmmaking is are intense passions that drive every day of my life.

Cine-Jam was intense, beautiful and breath-taking through all the ups and downs I internally went through. It gave me a sense of belonging that I have never experienced before with any group of people. Cine-Jam was like taking a deep breath of love and support. It triggered my film-making addiction and I am deeply thankful for this process

Jamal Jaafar is a Lebanese filmmaking graduate from Saint Joseph University (IESAV). He has been working as an assistant director in Lebanese music videos and a segment director in many T.V programs. In 2013 he participated in “Cine-Jam” through which he directed a short film entitled “JooJanna” 

Cine-Jam is a spiritual state of mind that builds bridges between us and others. It unveils the divine light that lies within us and reflects it back on the universe. Cine-Jam is the language of gods and light, it goes beyond just making films. Cine-Jam leads to the restoration of the soul and heart.

Noor has a BA degree in radio TV and film from LAU. She later specialized in cinematography at Met Film School, London. She has been working in Beirut for the last year. She is interested in camera operating and focus pulling. 

Cine-Jam is an experience that taught me how to accept. Mainly “accept” is the word. Accept people, accept emotions, accept feelings and deal with them. It taught me to love myself. Need more people like you Muriel; your values and the way you deal with life helped me big time. I forgive now and love people’s mistakes. I am very excited to make more short films… happy to try… daring to try! I wish all people can go through this. It’s life-changing. I love you.

Patrick Issa is a videographer, graduated from AL KAFAAT INSTITUTE in Radio TV. After his Thirteen years career as a videographer in Lebanon and Arabian Gulf countries, it was time for a change by becoming “a Filmmaker Travelling Nomad” following his passion to film new stories in each country. He directed a feature documentary and two experimental short movies.

Cine-Jam was my first trip in real emotional Arts. I adore the Jammers; love the place, the energy… thank you Muriel Aboulrouss for giving me the chance to live this journey. I learned a technique that I wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else: to feel and use my emotions as a canvas to my visuals and sounds. Thank you, I am full of gratitude, love and light.

Yara Yuri Safadi was born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1992. She then moved to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to live there till she was 17. She came back to Beirut to study audiovisual arts and filmmaking in ALBA. She graduated in 2013. Currently working as a freelancer to gain more experience in directing and screenwriting.

Cine-Jam wasn’t a workshop, and it isn’t over. I just learned in a month what nobody has ever taught me and it will carry on with me as long as I shall live. The biggest word I have to say is “I AM GRATEFUL”.

Remie Maksoud is an audiovisual graduate from Saint Joseph University (I.E.S.A.V). She has worked for 8 years as an Art Director for the advertising field and TV shows in Lebanon. She is extremely passionate about films and considers them as a necessity for her personal evolution. She directed 2 short films “Look At ME” (2012), “Home” (2012) & “Applause” part of a short film “Impulse” created within the Jamming with the light workshop. 

“Intensity, fear, adventure, family, home, un tourbillon, 8 beautiful souls, weakness, power, personal, nature, self-discovery, a new way of thinking, a new way of storytelling. A combination between what cinema is and what we have now… how we can use this “now”, which is almost nothing, to make films. We had a conductor who is ready for everything, a fighter, a passionate, only one goal and one aim… passion for cinema. In Cine-Jam I saw men, in Cine-Jam I fell in love, in Cine-Jam I felt home, in Cine-Jam I saw a new side of Muriel Aboulrouss… and it’s only the beginning.”

Cyril Aris is a young Lebanese Director and writer, currently studying for his Masters in Fine Arts (Concentration Directing/Screenwriting) at Columbia University in the city of New York, where he wrote and directed two shorts. Previously, Along with Mounia Akl, he co-wrote & co-directed a TV/Web series “Beirut, I Love You” produced by LBCI, a web series “Fasateen” by Batoota Films and Yahoo Maktoob, and other short films, corporate videos, and music videos.

A life changing experience on a personal and professional level. A new take on what cinema is really about, one of the most comfortable places to exorcise feelings, ideas and thoughts. In a world where we “think too much and feel so little” Cine-Jam and Muriel are here to remind us what life is really about and how cinema should follow.

Inaam Attar holds a bachelor’s degree in performing arts – Audiovisual from Saint-Joseph university – IESAV. In addition, Inaam participated in various workshops and training such as “Journaliste reporter d’images/JRI”, “Cine-Jam” & “Jamming with the Light”.  Among her writing/directing credits are the following two short films “Once upon a time… The dinosaur” and “monologues of a pig” the only short film student to ever compete at the Camerimage festival in Poland.

A lack of comfort followed by peace, not any comfort, not any emotions, 9 emotions, eyes gazing at each other and others avoiding it. A soundtrack of laughter, tender words, screaming, and pain. A life experience. A new life.

Dania Bdeir is a Lebanese writer/director of Syrian origins. She was born in Canada and later moved back to Beirut where she got her Bachelor’s degree in graphic design at the American University of Beirut. Dania now resides in New York City and is getting her MFA in film at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.

That is who I am, no trailer, no eyes, and no blankness. I truly know who I am and u know me because you saw me. You saw through me since day 1 and that is what made me open up. Thank you. Thank u. Thank u. You are an incredible beautiful person who has touched and changed our lives; each and every one of us. You are an amazing walking positive passionate and motivating energy. God knows I fought in this workshop, I fought you, and I fought the other 7 beautiful people. I fought whatever possibility this workshop can give me. But you Muriel made me stay and I am so thankful for that. It is a great one-of-a-kind enlightening journey; More than a workshop. My friends in NYC got so jealous when I told them in detail about this experience. They saw the light in my eyes. Yes, my blank eyes & saw Cine-Jam’s beauty shining through them. Change starts with just one person. You are going to change the world Muriel. I promise you that you are.

Mounia Akl is a young starting Lebanese Director and Actress, currently studying for her MFA (Concentration Directing/Screenwriting) at Columbia University in New York where she wrote a feature script and directed two short films. Her previous works in Lebanon involve Directing and acting, amongst which are “Beirut I love you” & “Fasateen”, co-directed and acted with Cyril Aris.

Cine-Jam changed my conception of film forever. It made us cry, scream, dig deep in our scars, laugh, love, feel… making us realize that no film is created without going through this process: feeling, bleeding. Muriel, with her generosity, honesty, bluntness, creativity, created a bond between 9 people including herself, 9 people who discovered a bit of who they are, and who are forever changed.

After finishing her degree in film at ALBA, Cherine moved to Montreal where she directed several short films within the film school INIS. Once done & back in Beirut, she started working as an Assistant Director, which gave her the opportunity to work alongside great professionals. Cherine is now in NYC working as a videographer on fashion shoots, music videos & directing advertising.

A slap; An awakening; A revelation; An expression; A new family. Friends and family asked me: What is the workshop about? I am not sure, I answered. It’s because I want to keep the emotion to myself, I want it to overgrow on me and finally come out in the most genuine form, a movie. Thank you Muriel.

Born in 1988, Bachar Khattar studied audio-visual in USJ 2005-2009. He started as a camera assistant on a documentary “Mercedes” in 2008; then as a director of photography on web series 2010-2011. In 2012 He shot a short film directed by Remie Maksoud “Look at me” that earned the best cinematography award at the NDU film festival. He is currently working on TV-Commercials, TV programs, Video clips, and short documentaries.

It was a life-changing experience, an adventure full of love and fear. I am a new person now… Thank you Muriel for sharing with us all your passion.

Rita Haddad is a Lebanese artist who graduated from Notre Dame University and is currently working as a freelance editor as well as a promotion producer. She is also a DJ and finds her oxygen in designing sound to help people around her understand what it’s like inside her head. She took part in cine-jam the workshop and directed a short film: HOWL.

Cine-Jam is the radioactive spider that awakened my superpowers. Cine-Jam reconciled me with my feelings, my body, and myself. It reminded me how no matter the different things we go through we really are all the same. Beautiful people, a circle of trust, and all the colors I had been missing for so long. Most of all Cine-Jam made me see the light. The real light, now everywhere I go I notice the light and it tells me what to do.

Born in 1987 Karim lives in Beirut. He Studied at USJ Iesav. Currently working as director of photography. Attended many workshops and wants to become a filmmaker

There is the desire to change, to follow one’s instinct and believe in one’s self, to see what, alone, light can create; and there is Cine-Jam. Cine-Jam is the only cinematography workshop that I attended, where I was taught cinematography without once mentioning the technique.

Elias is a Lebanese filmmaker. Born and raised in Beirut, He studied the art of filmmaking and cinema at the University of Saint Joseph Beirut (IESAV). In Cine-jam, With “Toska” Elias hopes to translate an untranslatable word into images and sounds.

“Cine-Jam was a wonderful therapeutic and healing experience for me. I got to test my skills as a filmmaker and a cinematographer. With the guidance and helpful insight of Muriel, I was able to address some pending issue related to my personal and professional life and translate them in to a short film that I’m proud of. The group’s approach was a very effective; each member of the group addressed his ideas and problems in a safe, caring and non-judgmental environment, with us growing closer after each gathering.”

Farah is a Lebanese independent filmmaker; she is also a lecturer at the Lebanese University. She graduated in 2009 from Saint Joseph University in Beirut “IESAV”. She directed numerous short films, music videos, and documentaries. Her first short film “docile” got worldwide acclaim and prizes. Farah received in 2011 the “promising director” award certificate from Carlton University in Canada for her medium-length documentary “ seeking Wadad R.” 

“Cine-Jam delves deeply into the different technical and expressive elements of visual filmmaking. Beyond that, Muriel Aboulrouss assists each of the Cine-Jammers in seeking their genuine self, their memories, pains, and memorable moments, so that all this becomes the patchwork canvas of the film. This inner quest reveals light. As a director, I have truly discovered that cinematography is the visual speech of sentiments… It sounds like quite a straightforward idea but Cine-Jamming was most of all a unique individual understanding and a considerable eye-opener for me.”

Yann Abroyan Charaoui is an audio-visual artist, music producer, filmmaker & world citizen. Growing wiser by the day. My motto: “Be who you’re supposed to be”. Graduated from Central St Martins, Middlesex University and NY Film Academy.

This film-making workshop felt like a bloody surgery… like a hand reaching in for secrets and emotions. Muriel’s brilliance allowed trusting my instinct and moving from a place of the heart.