Yesterday The Eye Didn’t Sleep: A Bedouin Tale of Tradition and Resilience
L’Atelier Distribution has secured the distribution rights for Rakan Mayasi’s debut feature film, Yesterday The Eye Didn’t Sleep, in France. The movie is set to make its world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival later this month. Talks are ongoing for distribution in other regions such as MENA, UK-Ireland, and North America.
Yesterday The Eye Didn’t Sleep is a gripping story set in a Bedouin community in the Bekaa Valley, situated between Lebanon and Syria. The narrative follows Yasser as he embarks on a quest to locate his missing cousin Gamra, leading to a fateful encounter with a member of a rival tribe. The film delves into themes of sacrifice, tribal traditions, and the resilience of women, particularly Yasser's sisters Rim and Jawaher.
The movie is a collaborative effort between production companies from Belgium, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, including Atata, TCPC, Lux Motus Tempus, Mayana Films, and Naoko Films. Funding for the project was provided by various organizations such as the Centre du Cinéma et de l’Audiovisuel of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, the Belgian Federal Government’s Tax Shelter, and the Doha Film Institute.
L’Atelier Distribution founders, Hughes Peysson and Pierre Paga, expressed their admiration for Yesterday The Eye Didn’t Sleep, describing it as a poignant and thought-provoking film that delves into complex themes of tradition, retribution, and the resilience of women within a Bedouin community. The acquisition of this film aligns with their commitment to showcasing compelling and impactful cinema to audiences in France and beyond.
In conclusion, Yesterday The Eye Didn’t Sleep promises to captivate audiences with its powerful storytelling and exploration of cultural dynamics within a Bedouin community. The film's premiere at Cannes Film Festival marks a significant milestone for director Rakan Mayasi and the talented team behind this compelling cinematic work.