Eman
Spring Grants 2024 - Production Stage
Maha Al Thani / Short Narrative / Qatar / 5 min / Original Language: Arabic / Interests: Fantasy, Suspense
Synopsis
Eman, 14, lives in a strict household in Qatar. One day, she nervously asks her mother if she can go out with her friends to the mall. Both her mother and grandmother refuse her request. Later, Eman learns that her twin brother does not need to ask permission to go out. Her immense desire to go out, coupled with the intense emotions from the injustice she faces compared to her brother, leads her to an alternate universe after she angrily throws a ball at her inspiration board upon seeing her brother leave without asking for consent. In this alternate universe, everything is different. Eman is free to do whatever she desires and enjoys her newfound freedom for a while. Then, she unexpectedly encounters her grandmother. Eman tries to avoid her but bumps into a creepy old woman who pesters her. Her grandmother yells at the old woman, who then vanishes. Eman notices that this version of her grandmother is much nicer. Her grandmother takes Eman to a pink pond that could take them back home. They hold hands as her grandmother steps into the pond and sinks down. However, Eman is pulled back by the creepy old woman, who has shape-shifted into her mother. Shocked, Eman stumbles back and sees that the pond has turned black. As she looks up, this version of her mother and several women cloaked in veils slowly make their way toward her.
Credits
- Director
- Maha Al-Thani
- Screenwriter
- Maha Al-Thani
- Producer
- Lulwa Al-Thani
About the Director
Maha Al-Thani, born and raised in Qatar, is a Communication alumna of Northwestern University in Qatar. Throughout her academic journey, Maha has worked on numerous film sets with her colleagues during production classes, gaining extensive hands-on experience. Maha previously produced a short film titled 'Loved Ones' for MIT 190 and is currently directing her new short film 'Eman,' which she wrote. 'Eman' represents her first directing project outside of Northwestern, showcasing her passion and dedication to storytelling and filmmaking.