At The Movie Buff, we recently had the chance to watch the Lebanese drama “1982,” which we found to be fantastic. Not only is the film a document of the tragedy of war in Beirut, but is a powerful romance film — except unlike most, this one revolves around one child, Wissam (Mohammad Dalli) who longs to tell a classmate Joanna (Gia Madi), that he likes her.
Of course, the film is much more nuanced than that. What it does is invite you into a day in the lives of the children that inhabit this elementary school in Lebanon (the very same one Director Mouaness went to as a child, as I was told in our interview). War has loomed all around them for the past 6 years; but on this day, things are different. This will be the first time the children will truly glean the war. It’s a day that creates memories and trauma that may last a lifetime. So much of the logistics of the story are personal to Oualid Mouaness, as he went through Wissam’s story. It resonates and sticks with you long after the credits roll.
The Interview
This week, I was fortunate enough to talk to Oualid Mouaness about “1982,” from the casting, to the production, and to how he crafted this truly remarkable story. I learned many insights that help you understand how Mouaness was able to get such believable acting, stories, and connection from his young actors. Mouaness tells me that the adult actors throughout the film were professionals, but the children were not. A workshop period of six weeks they spent together would form the child actors’ bonds, and make the film all that more believable. Because, whatever else you can say about the film, what Oualid Mouaness has done here is created a picture of war that is as harrowing as it needs to be, and also a romance that — while centering on children — is given the seriousness and attention it deserves.
You can watch the interview with Oualid Mouaness in the window below, or on YouTube by going to our channel here.
You can also read our review of the “1982” by clicking this link.
‘1982’ and its Theatrical Release
“1982” opened in New York City theaters on June 10th, and followed up with a run in Los Angeles, starting on June 24th. In addition, you can see “1982” in theaters in the following locations below.
Additionally, “1982” will be getting a streaming release this coming fall. Stay tuned to The Movie Buff for more information about the film as it becomes available.
Screenings:
(*Note: click here to buy tickets)
New York, NY – QUAD Cinemas – Opens June 10th
Los Angeles, CA – Laemmle Royal – Opens June 24th
Sante Fe, NM – The Jean Cocteau Cinema – Opens July 1
