An Algerian oud maker in Berlin reflects on his past during Algeria’s Black Decade as he witnesses Germany’s rising right-wing movement. Through his craft, TAWAZON explores memory, identity, and resilience in times of political unrest.
As someone who lived through political turmoil in Libya, I found deep resonance in Mohammed’s story. His reflections on Algeria’s Black Decade and the current rise of extremism in Germany mirror my own experiences of witnessing history repeat itself in different forms. TAWAZON is both a personal and collective reflection — a search for balance between past and present, fear and hope. Through Mohammed’s craft and my own musical language, I explore how art becomes a way to process uncertainty and preserve humanity amid division.
The film features original piano contributions by Andreas F. Staffel and color correction by Rokas Jankus. The archival material, integral to the film’s historical dimension, includes footage shot by Algerian artist and Photographer Ammar Bouras.
Khayal Studio is the first and only music sessions show to come out of Libya, bringing unplugged performances to Libyan audiences and showcasing artists from across the country. Each artist presents their original songs, cover pieces, and engages in conversations about the current art and music scene in Libya.
The show ran for two seasons, both funded by the U.S. Embassy’s Ambassadors Fund.
You can learn more about the show and the project by clicking the button below.
Filmed over five years, FREEDOM FIELDS follows three women and their football team in post-revolution Libya, as the country descends into civil war and the utopian hopes of the Arab Spring begin to fade. Through the eyes of these accidental activists, we see the reality of a country in transition, where the personal stories of love and aspirations collide with History.
“Arebi’s shooting as DoP, with camera backup by Sufian Arara, is immersive, energetic and bold, even when she’s making an effort to keep her camera hidden, the visuals enhanced by a marvellously enveloping sound design by Giovanni Buccomino“.
– Filmmaker Magazine
Shot over the period of 2 months across Libya, Covering Libya’s 3 regions under some of the toughest circumstances; the challenges were phenomenal. Extremely long power cuts, intermittent communications, Covid19 pandemic, and above all transcending current affairs to find hope.
5 characters that we’ve grown to love and respect. From Tripoli to Kufra, Ajdabiya to Awenat ( Akakus ) these 5 different pieces offer a unique insight into the everyday Libyans.