How does she do it all? Kulsoom Zakir sat with her for a bite and found out why she is so passionate about the art of filmmaking.
Tempo: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Reema Al Majed: I am 21 years old. I’m an Emirati girl, born in Abu Dhabi, but I have lived in Dubai for the most part of my life. I moved to Abu Dhabi when I started university which was almost four years ago.
T: Did you always wish to become a professional in the field of Media Sciences? Were your parents supportive of your decision?
R: Ever since I started school I knew I wanted to do something great. I just never knew exactly what it was that I wanted to do. Although my family didn’t expect me to come up with such a huge project, when they saw Zayed University Film Festival actually happening they were so proud and extremely supportive. They never told me that there was something I couldn’t do in my chosen professional field, but they always advised me to be careful and cautious, and always stand up for my beliefs.
T: How did you get the idea to organize a film festival? Who else was involved in the process?
R: Last fall, I worked as a publicist assistant in the Middle East International Film Festival. It was the first time I got involved in the world of films and filmmaking. It triggered something inside me, like I wanted to learn more and I didn’t want my experience to end with the festival. One day, out of nowhere it just hit me, ‘why don’t I create my very own film festival?’ After thinking about it for a long time and researching for hours, I decided that it should be a film festival for students exclusively. When I knew exactly what I wanted, I went to group of friends, who I knew where going to be supportive and helpful. My project partner, Alyazyah helped me with the initial stages of planning process, and I also was able to get so much help and support from a group of guys and girls who worked very hard in making this festival possible. I would like to mention a few names and also state the fact that I couldn’t have done it without their hard work: Maisoon, Noura, Waleed, Rahed and Fahmi. They all assisted me throughout the process of making this festival a successful one.
T: Why, in your opinion, was it necessary to have a university based film festival portraying the work of young filmmakers?
R: The reason why I thought this festival should be for students is the fact that there is hardly any event that is dedicated to support ONLY young filmmakers around the Middle East and North Africa. There is so much young talent in the Arab world, and I wanted all the students to feel like this is the place that will support them through their journey in becoming professionals in the industry.
T: What do you like to do in your free time?
R: Watch films! I love watching really good films, sometimes to learn something new and other times just for the pleasure of watching a good movie.
T: What is your aim in life? Where do you see yourself in the coming decade?
R: I would like to complete my masters in film directing, and maybe make a really good film like those that I enjoy watching today. I really don’t know what to expect, but I hope it will be something meaningful. I also imagine Zayed University Film Festival becoming one of the most important festivals not only in the Middle East but also around the globe.
T: Who are your favourite filmmakers of our time and which of their movies are your favourites? Any recent films you really liked?
R: My favorite director of our time would definitely be Baz Luhrmann. Although he has directed a few films, he has managed to stun me every single time. His best work to date would be Moulin Rouge – my all time favourite film- and Australia which is another favourite. I’m also a big fan of Tim Burton. I feel like he has a crazy imagination which I absolutely love, and finally Steven Spielberg. I recently watched The Hurt Locker by Kathryn Bigelow and I really liked the realness of the film.
T: If you could re-make one movie which one would it be? Would you choose different actors to play the title roles? How would you give it your signature touch?
R: Honestly I think about that all the time, but right now I really feel like changing the latest James Bond films. Daniel Craig just doesn’t strike me as someone embodying a James Bond persona! I would really love to see George Clooney playing Mr. Bond, and if it was up to me I would have picked him a long time ago. Regarding my signature touch, I think I’m still trying to figure that one out.
T: How was it like finally seeing the ZU Film Festival 2010 come alive? Tell us a little about your film selection process.
R: It was like a dream come true. I couldn’t believe that there were a huge number of celebrity guests and important people in the media industry who came to support this event and the young filmmakers involved.
The film selection process started by contacting the universities that offer film courses around the Middle East and North Africa. Then as we started to receive films, the media faculty in ZU sat down to watch the entire collection we got from all around the Arab world. We ended up with 12 final films which were sent to three professional judges in the film industry who choose three deserving winners. And that’s how we got to the final films! (Smiles)
T: Many youngsters today find it hard to juggle studies and creative endeavours. What would be your advice to them?
R: My advice would be the exact words one of my favorite professors told me once – School is important to get you through life, but there is more to life then just focusing only on your final grades. Now I don’t want anyone to get me wrong because I do believe school is important, however, I think that you only get practical know-how when you are out there experiencing and learning from life. Students should care about their final grades, but their lives shouldn’t revolve around grades only. That’s just my personal opinion.
