Quantum leap for emerging filmmakers

A couple nights ago people crammed into the auditorium at the Hussein Cultural Center and stood against the walls and sat on the floor for the first screening of Fadi Haddad's short film, HIGH HEELS. I love crowded screenings, and I love the energy infused into first time audiences to such an event -they are always in disbelief that there are so many people interested in independent films by emerging filmmakers, and are surprised by the talent and the work shared.

The story of HIGH HEELS, written and directed by Fadi Haddad, is set around the wake of Nawal's departed husband. All characters have dysfunctional personal lives but put up the act that everything is going well. Nawal, a social snob finds out her husband left her nothing but an empty bank account, traces of a mistress and a mobile phone she can't unlock. Nawal, played by Mouna Moussa, projects her complexes onto her daughter, played by Phaedra Dahdaleh, who is raising a four-year old alone far from the husband who abandoned her, not letting on to society her true story. What would Nawal do if her dead husband's young mistress suddenly shows up at the funeral? The story spirals out of control when the mischief of Lara Sawalha explodes into the scene. See trailer.

The script was well cast with an eclectic mix - Feryal Haddad & Lara Sawalha were great! Beautiful art direction, and camera that lends to good storytelling by Samer Nimri. I felt the choice of music was overbearing most of the time though. The lyrics of Soap Kills were too distracting from the performances who did a good job and did not need the over dramatic music at times when I would've rather had a quieter background. The production was tight - the good planning and careful production choices showed - something the determined and tough Nadia Eliewat ensured as producer with a super talented crew.

Fadi, your best so far and in a whole new league. Very much looking forward to your next.
Lara, still my absolute favorite Jordanian actress - big time.
Phaedra, give up your day job, the camera loves you!
Mrs. Haddad, you rock!
Nadia, I'm lucky to know you.

Thank you to everyone involved for bringing us 20 minutes of good local entertainment.