Please Pause
Spring Grants 2024 - Production Stage
Lulwa Al-Thani / Short Narrative / Qatar / 10 min / Original Language: Arabic / Interests: Coming of age, Fantasy
Synopsis
In ‘Please Pause’, we follow the journey of an 8-year-old boy who, despite his physical appearance, is revealed to be a 25-year-old navigating the complexities of adulthood. As he navigates through everyday situations, from grocery shopping to bonding with an older companion, the boy struggles with societal expectations dictating age-appropriate behaviour. An encounter with a police officer becomes a pivotal moment of realization, challenging his perceived identity. The film serves as a metaphor for the boy’s desire to halt or slow down the passage of time. It conveys his reluctance to fully embrace adulthood, expressing a desire to pause. The film delves into the boy’s longing for a break from the rush of life, seeking a moment to reflect. The title also hints at the film’s central theme, dealing with change and growing up. Through this journey, ‘Please Pause’ explores the tension between the comfort of nostalgia and the inevitable progression of time, capturing the universal struggle of balancing the innocence of childhood with the responsibilities of adulthood.
Credits
- Director
- Lulwa Al-Thani
- Screenwriter
- Lulwa Al-Thani
About the Director
Lulwa Al-Thani's journey in filmmaking began in her early years, creating films over the weekends with a camcorder and iMovie. Progressing through high school and university, she enhanced her skills, producing memorable films for her high school graduation and other events. Her passion led her to Northwestern University. It was during her university years that Lulwa discovered her true calling—directing the camera. Enrolling in a directing class, she realised that her forte for capturing scenes and framing shots was her strength. This revelation fueled her to take charge of her projects, producing films for university classes that showcased her skills. Recently, Lulwa joined the Doha Film Institute's youth programme as a producer for two films, showcasing her versatility. Despite excelling in the producer's role, her heart lies in directing, as seen in her university projects. A Northwestern University graduate, Lulwa's profound passion for filmmaking, influenced by Quentin Tarantino's style, fuels her commitment to creating unique narratives. Her journey stands as evidence of her boundless creativity in the world of filmmaking.