QIYADA 2 - The Art of Humane Leadership

00:00:07: Laial, you are one of the most prominent Lebanese film and TV directors.

00:00:13: What's the importance of having a woman's perspective in direction?

00:00:18: No-one believed me!

00:00:19: People should respect your title.

00:00:21: I'm director on this project.

00:00:23: You should respect my being a director.

00:00:25: So who is pushing to be best version for yourself?

00:00:28: Men & women should complete each other.

00:00:30: There no hierarchy.

00:00:32: The only hierarchy is indecision Not in values.

00:00:35: Some situations may occur to you.

00:00:37: that should stay strong.

00:00:38: Hello Layal and welcome to Qiyada podcast.

00:00:41: Hi Hiba

00:00:43: You're known not only for your creative works but also for your commitment To showing women's struggles, resilience And empower woman From the debut feature Habbit Lulu Which was most watched film if I remember correctly In two thousand and thirteen to socially engaged works like Shiyom Rahfil, Day Six and the series Al-Had.

00:01:07: Your stories have consistently challenged norms in our region... ...and brought attention to issues such as gender equality, refugee rights….

00:01:17: …and many others that you will tell us more about!

00:01:20: It's truly a pleasure having you here, Layal – and welcome again!

00:01:23: Thank

00:01:23: You Heba!

00:01:23: The pleasure is mine!

00:01:25: Layal can you complete this bio with your career milestones?

00:01:30: Okay, well actually I studied radio TV and films then MA in journalism NPR than another MA in cinema.

00:01:41: And what can i tell you about the first event that put me on the right track.

00:01:46: if we can say it's my filmmaking journey?

00:01:49: I was still studying radio TV.

00:01:51: as already told

00:01:52: you this

00:01:53: one of my close friends wanted to shoot her debut music video with a director.

00:02:00: three days prior the shoot, a misunderstanding happened and the director decided not to show up on set.

00:02:06: So she was like Layaal you need to step in.

00:02:09: well

00:02:09: good for you.

00:02:11: I didn't feel this way back then.

00:02:13: yeah i was over one.

00:02:15: i was like no um...I can do it!

00:02:17: I'm still studying.

00:02:18: there's no way I can do.

00:02:19: uh..i Can Do This.

00:02:20: She Was Like No Im Not Asking You We Have To Do It

00:02:23: Together.

00:02:24: I went On Set And that day was started, actually overwhelming for me.

00:02:31: Because jumping from theory to practice it was really something scary.

00:02:37: at first I saw everything big and huge the cameras The lightings Even a number of crew members.

00:02:44: Everything is really huge and overwhelming.

00:02:49: I am repeating this word because i felt it.

00:02:52: Now as we go back So, and everybody was there just waiting for me.

00:02:58: So I say...I take the lead!

00:03:01: Yes And i was like okay..i will take a lead.

00:03:06: I did it ..and by end of day ...ummm.... I got good feedback from everyone.

00:03:14: At least I knew that starting this day , I would start counting years in my filmmaking journey.

00:03:22: How many movies do you have, Layal and series?

00:03:25: And video clips.

00:03:26: Can you summarize a bit with numbers your achievements?

00:03:30: Actually

00:03:31: I started doing directing music videos... ...I don't really remember the accurate number but I can say thirty-five or forty something like this.. ..I had two feature films Habit Loulou Chiam Rahfal, one short film Day Six.

00:03:50: I have, uh...I directed two series Al-Had and one series, um, not important asam, soon to be released hopefully.

00:03:59: So yes that's it in

00:04:01: general.

00:04:01: And are you still afraid?

00:04:03: when?

00:04:03: Because looking at you today we don't imagine that you were someone who had self doubt or who had internal struggles of fears.

00:04:12: Are You Still Afraid When You Take A Project Or When You Shoot?

00:04:15: Definitely i'm always scared but I don't link it to lack of self-confidence or self doubts.

00:04:25: They need to be responsible and this is a big huge responsibility when you take the lead for a big crew, project and correct as much needed.

00:04:37: so yes definitely i still have that feeling.

00:04:44: then everything turns out great.

00:04:47: Indeed, Lial what were the main challenges in your leadership journey and What are the strategies that you used to overcome these challenges?

00:04:56: Actually the main challenge was that when I decided to write a film, my first feature film with my cousin.

00:05:05: Once i would deliver this script for production house they will say yes of course let's do it and so on.

00:05:10: but this did not happen.

00:05:12: no one believed in me.

00:05:13: They kept saying okay we read and get back you.

00:05:18: my father stepped in and said, okay let's stop asking anyone we're gonna do it.

00:05:23: We are going to make your dream come

00:05:25: true.".

00:05:26: And effectively he believed in me.

00:05:29: I did not disappoint him because as you already said Habit Lulu was a massive success in Lebanon on the Middle East.

00:05:36: so i had good intuition.

00:05:42: This is when I felt like, yes.

00:05:43: I overcame this first challenge and that's

00:05:48: it.

00:05:48: The filming conditions at least from my perspective... ...I find them really hard.

00:05:54: you wake up four a.m sometimes You have heavy things to carry long hours of shooting no sleeping.

00:06:05: how many?

00:06:05: Like ninety percent of the crew Males who are males, it's all in all.

00:06:12: It is a male dominated field and harsh conditions right?

00:06:17: deal with these challenges as well.

00:06:19: Yes,

00:06:19: actually the best part for me is life on set.

00:06:24: so I like it...I don't get tired you wouldn't believe but i dont get tired on set..i have this adrenaline rush....I love it!

00:06:34: So mainly and for having a dominated male crew exactly ..and I don´t mind that they do not mind it as well, because when you set respect and people should respect your title even if let's say that have issues in their minds.

00:06:56: They must respect the title.

00:07:00: I'm there as a friend Of course I can set this comfortable space and so on, but i'm not there to talk that am a woman you remain and let's battle over something.

00:07:12: No no no!

00:07:13: Am the director of this project And You should respect the title of me being a Director.

00:07:18: So I find it very interesting and fun.

00:07:20: What is important about having women perspective in direction?

00:07:26: Why is it important for women as directors?

00:07:29: Actually, I believe that we as women have different energy and different vibe... ...and different input and perception.

00:07:38: And this is why it's necessary to have more female directors in the film industry.

00:07:48: Layalu, when you started and even I think now the filmmaking industry is still a male-dominated field.

00:07:55: So do you think that would have had more yeses if were not women?

00:08:01: or how did face this whole male dominated by yourself?

00:08:06: Okay, first of all this said that gender equality and film industry is not just a Middle Eastern issue.

00:08:13: even in Hollywood less than ten percent Of women are top directors.

00:08:18: So uh This is an issue worldwide.

00:08:21: It's a world-wide issue actually so I can't state it like.

00:08:25: If I were like a man, I would have took more projects or people who believe in me.

00:08:32: And...I love that we come to the point where this question is no longer asked if you are female and male because women should not be an opposition of men.

00:08:46: instead they should actually complete each other.

00:08:54: The right person is in the right position.

00:08:57: But I cannot deny how they look at you that it can be so decisive, like you have hormones and this imbalance.

00:09:06: Can create something to be more subjective?

00:09:09: And you cannot be so objective and handle everything the right way or the pragmatic way which... Which even if is true, i find interesting especially when your working in film industry So ucan be more genuine, sensual more sensitive, et cetera.

00:09:28: So yeah.

00:09:29: Layal from your own challenges to the challenges of your characters tell me a few causes that you held and advocated for in your movies?

00:09:39: Actually on my first feature film Habit Lulu The main cause was the legitimate child because here in Lebanon mostly in the Middle East mother cannot give papers son or baby girl, if he doesn't have a father.

00:09:58: So and this is very critical cause actually I don't say that i found the solution Or the law changed after this film but at least step by step, if we advocate or make awareness about such critical issues.

00:10:15: We can reach a point where we can make a change.

00:10:18: so yeah another topic was how much someone could be patriotic and protect his own land because this specific topic in our region specifically is very essential for me, how to protect your own land from exterior factors and invasions.

00:10:41: Yes

00:10:42: exactly!

00:10:43: And what amazes me Laialis that you're a director who also writes some of the most of your movies.

00:10:52: You are known to get inspired by real stories From people.

00:10:58: Can you tell us a bit more?

00:10:59: how do get inspired?

00:11:01: How did your research, because I know that there is a lot of research.

00:11:04: You even used the language people talk in regions and they did it on day six.

00:11:09: So can we say something about your process for filmmaking?

00:11:13: First of all usually people around me like friends family members etc.

00:11:19: They always told to me i'm a person who likes listening a lot to observe To try find solutions.

00:11:27: if... may say find solutions, I don't know.

00:11:30: But i love to listen because when you listen and understand the background of a certain person even if he was different than your background or cultures.

00:11:40: this is one that will be more understanding create less division.

00:11:46: So, and this is why most of my characters or my stories in my films features on the short film are based on true characters and unreal stories that happened.

00:11:58: And just as you said I to be...to stay through to the story uh i tend to sit with a real people from the real world To help me write certain slang to depict exactly what happened back then.

00:12:16: Yes,

00:12:16: thank you very much Leal because I was very impressed with your short movie Day Six that is featured on YouTube.

00:12:24: like people can watch it on YouTube we will try provide the link Because in this short movie You represent a completely different religion culture and really step into other peoples shoes.

00:12:40: I mean the filming, story and script.

00:12:42: everything was so perfect.

00:12:44: So how do you have this much empathy to represent something that is nothing about even your culture?

00:12:55: Yes exactly!

00:12:57: Nothing close to our culture.

00:12:58: we come from a very conservative Christian background But as I told you earlier, i'm open to everyone because... ...I believe that we are all human and humanity unites us.

00:13:09: And we need to be aware of what's happening in everybody's mind.. ..and how he thinks so we can understand How Can He Act?

00:13:20: So You went To The South Exactly!

00:13:25: You talked to people even used the slang they use exactly

00:13:31: To be true to the story, because it is a true story and I love to report as-is.

00:13:39: But to clarify with audience you took very political topic but filmed in an unpolitical way Because i remember that your objective was not Politically, the objective is from a human perspective of the female leader.

00:13:56: They will let audience judge for themselves without more... The

00:14:01: power of women back then in nineteen eighty-two we're not talking twenty twenty

00:14:05: five.

00:14:06: That's what I like most about characters that you write Leal Is that You never victimize your character.

00:14:13: When you talk about women's issue or patriotic issues, we don't feel like the character is a victim even though there is human side of it... We feel that the character has empowered

00:14:24: Absolutely, I believe that some situations may occur to you in very bad situation but should stay strong actually.

00:14:31: So it's not just saying and stating stay positive no its'nt like that.

00:14:36: i believe each person especially women should keep pushing.

00:14:41: so this is why In my portrayal of women in films I refuse make them victims because even if they get into any bad or sad situation, I believe that they have to... They can be strong and keep pushing in order to achieve what they want.

00:15:10: And break all the barriers.

00:15:12: For

00:15:13: example, in Habbitlulu for example The cause of pregnancy was raped in the Lebanese Civil War, and she got pregnant.

00:15:27: And yet she decided to keep this baby girl and raise her... ...and try to teach at home because she couldn't take her to school

00:15:34: etc.,

00:15:36: Okay, I'm not saying it's the best scenario yet.

00:15:38: She kept pushing for life of her daughter.

00:15:42: Layal you are our guest today Not only because your movies have causes and characters that advocate For very important issues That we're living in society But as well Because you know to be a human leader.

00:15:57: So what is your leadership style?

00:16:00: Life on set Is something that i love The most from prep To post production.

00:16:05: It's the best place I can be.

00:16:07: So, first of all... The most important thing for me in my if-we-can't say a leadership style is respect and respect to each and everyone on the crew, actors, everyone who works with us because when you create this safe space for everybody together it achieves more.

00:16:31: So then there's no hierarchy.

00:16:34: The only hierarchy is in decision, not in values.

00:16:38: so this my leadership.

00:16:41: Very interesting

00:16:43: thank you

00:16:44: very interesting Leal how did you manage to remain humane?

00:16:49: In times of crisis wars that the country has witnessed over the past years

00:16:55: ever actually?

00:16:55: yes Actually, you know as I know.

00:16:59: As all the Lebanese people know and this is very sad that we were born in a country That has witnessed wars explosions Number two biggest explosion In The World actually.

00:17:15: so And We always say We are resilient, and this is why we should...we're really resilient actually.

00:17:25: And based on being resilient I remember when you used to go with your NGO to distribute food in the time of crisis To try get funds from politicians or political parties even if a little bit of happiness and hope to people who were in need for us.

00:17:51: So, because we are resilient people... And I want thank you for your NGO!

00:17:56: We helped a lot maybe as big term to say but i believe that.. ..we can help by small steps better than not helping at all.

00:18:07: so Thank You.

00:18:08: What's impressive about Julyal is that In Your Movies You are humane and you have your cause.

00:18:15: When you're filming your movies, you are humain and still have your values And when people ask for help... ...you step in to help them.

00:18:25: Now from all of this theory.. ..you are stepping into real change making In politics

00:18:36: The municipality of our village.

00:18:39: Tell us a bit more because now that we've concretized all of your humane leadership into actions, into concrete political actions.

00:18:51: Is it the beginning or something bigger?

00:18:53: Because I know you can also be president one day if you wanted

00:18:56: to.

00:18:58: President make Lebanon great again!

00:19:00: No not that... Whatever there is public service and they can serve their people.

00:19:06: If i can't make it then as you said helping as much I can.

00:19:13: As always say, maybe it will look limited and we're not doing anything big but at least... We are trying our best.

00:19:21: so yes in the municipality of our village there do read.

00:19:24: I'm the vice president And I'm not alone in the municipality.

00:19:33: We are three out of eleven, three women and this number is not symbolic at all because we're working with... ...with everything that can improve our village to listen about our own people and make it great again.

00:19:53: so yes better say not political because I may not understand a lot about politics, but I understand public service and love it.

00:20:08: And in my position the voice will reach faster.

00:20:13: that's why i am now in the municipality.

00:20:17: so hope we can do good job Because I always believe step by step We'll reach somewhere.

00:20:27: Layal, I'd like to get off script a bit.

00:20:29: Off script?

00:20:30: And ask you is it the only reason that you're doing political under the reed?

00:20:37: Is your number one supporter The person who started with you from the challenges?

00:20:45: This script is bad,

00:20:47: actually.

00:20:48: You

00:20:49: don't want to talk about

00:20:50: it?

00:20:50: No of course I always talked about that because

00:20:55: your personal story as well and people like... always showed the vulnerability that they have and what really pushes them every day to be the best version of themselves.

00:21:07: So who is pushing you, To Be The Best Version

00:21:09: Of Yourself?

00:21:10: My father... Who left us a couple

00:21:12: years ago.

00:21:12: May he rest in peace!

00:21:14: Yes actually I did this for him because He loved the village And everybody loves Him.

00:21:22: All people love Him there.

00:21:25: When I wanted to do this step, I was like okay but no one knows me there in the village.

00:21:30: But I will do it anyway for my father if i win... ...I'll do it for my Father.

00:21:34: If I don't win.. ..I will still do it For My Father And The Thing Was That I Won.

00:21:41: I Won Like

00:21:43: Yes.

00:21:44: Everybody Voted For Me And Everybody If We Can Say Paid Tribute To My Father Who Is For Me Who Was As I told you earlier, he was the first person who believed in me.

00:21:57: It's a very nice tribute that you're doing to everyone around you.

00:22:02: Quick questions and quick answers?

00:22:05: Let us do it!

00:22:06: What is role of films according to you?

00:22:10: to advocate for human leadership?

00:22:13: As I already said earlier, to make the audience rethink what they think.

00:22:17: And this is a very huge responsibility on The Filmmaker specifically if he was... ...the main author of the film.

00:22:24: Léa, What's the most amazing movie for you?

00:22:29: Actually it depends on genre and I usually like psychological films But what I find very humane, there's the movie called The Green Mile because it talks about justice compassion racism and the mystery of good and evil in humanity.

00:22:48: So this summits up all And it leaves a range for imagination so that combines everything you should watch if...

00:22:59: No no i haven't watched it okay?

00:23:01: What is the worst humane movie character that you ever watched?

00:23:05: I don't have an answer to this because i try to find something interesting in each, each uh movie or series or documentary.

00:23:13: Because um...i tried to perceive it from my own way so..I can remember any of a very bad character actually portrayed I mean It can be an evil character, yet portrayed very well.

00:23:28: So it is a good character actually

00:23:30: because the director had.

00:23:32: you cannot remove

00:23:34: exactly

00:23:35: Layal, on behalf of the Arab-German Young Academy of Sciences and Humanities your personal life, what hurts you.

00:24:01: What makes you brilliant as you are and you shared many facets of your personality that I'm sure the audience will like.

00:24:09: Thank You Hiba for having me!

00:24:10: i really enjoyed our talk today And I hope our chat was fruitful.

00:24:16: I want to wish you very good luck in everything you do because you deserve it.

00:24:21: thankyou

00:24:21: so much again.

00:24:22: It was a pleasure talking with you.

00:24:24: Do have any final words?

00:24:28: I would say for every woman who needs to hear this, your work is valuable as needed.

00:24:35: It's extraordinary when you rise.

00:24:39: we all rise with you All over the world not only in Lebanon and the region but all over the word no matter what was your job either In the film industry In science, in science.

00:24:54: Either if you were a mother who's taking care and...

00:24:58: Because that also works right?

00:25:00: Of course definitely this is the best work I believe And most sacred work because your helping create better generation Whatever you are Your work as essential.

00:25:14: Keep up.

00:25:16: That said thankyou

00:25:17: Thankyou very much.