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Jordanian Short Where Have You Been?: A Tender Exploration of Human Connection in a World of Isolation
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In today’s hyper-connected digital age, we are constantly surrounded by technology that promises to bring us closer, yet many people find themselves more isolated than ever. Whether by choice or circumstance, this growing sense of disconnection leaves individuals living in their own personal bubbles, distanced from the people around them. It’s this quiet, pervasive loneliness that filmmaker Mohammad Gotta so eloquently captures in his deeply human short film Where Have You Been?.اضافة اعلان
The film, which is set to make its world premiere at the Oran International Arab Film Festival in Algeria, offers a lighthearted yet poignant look at the power of unlikely connections. At its core, Where Have You Been? tells the story of two neighbors—each struggling with their own sense of isolation—who find comfort and understanding in each other.
Faris Al Bahri, a Lebanese actor known for his role in Netflix’s Al Rawabi School for Girls, delivers a heartfelt performance as a young artist. After being forced to leave his family home due to cultural tensions over his pursuit of music—an often controversial path in some Arab families—he starts a new life in a small, solitary apartment. Despite his passion for music, he finds himself drifting into isolation, separated from the world he once knew.
Enter Reem Saadeh, the seasoned Jordanian voice actress, also recognized for her role in Al Rawabi School for Girls. Playing the elderly neighbor who has also been left alone by her family, Saadeh’s character mistakes the young man for a thief when they first meet. Armed with a broom, she confronts him, setting the stage for a relationship that is both tender and humorous. What begins as an awkward misunderstanding evolves into a touching companionship, as the two bond over their shared loneliness and mutual love for music.
What makes Where Have You Been? stand out is its authentic portrayal of vulnerability. Mohammad Gotta delicately crafts a narrative that transcends age and background, showing how two very different people can find solace in one another. The film speaks to the beauty of human connection—how, even in a world that often pushes us apart, there is always the potential to bridge the gaps between us through empathy and understanding.
The story also addresses larger societal issues, particularly mental health and depression, themes that are often overlooked in Arab cinema. Through the lens of these two characters, the film gently urges viewers to be more compassionate and mindful of the emotional struggles others may be facing, especially the elderly, who are often marginalized or forgotten.
Supported by the Royal Film Commission-Jordan, Where Have You Been? is more than just a film about loneliness—it’s a celebration of the human spirit. It reminds us that despite our differences, we all share the same fundamental need for connection. The film advocates for kindness and patience, showing that, sometimes, all it takes to change someone’s life is a moment of understanding.
As it prepares for its world premiere, Where Have You Been? is set to resonate deeply with audiences, offering a heartfelt reflection on the power of human connection in an increasingly isolated world. With its universal themes and touching performances, Mohammad Gotta’s film stands as a gentle reminder that no one is truly alone if they’re willing to reach out to others.
Read more Lifestyle Content
Jordan News
The film, which is set to make its world premiere at the Oran International Arab Film Festival in Algeria, offers a lighthearted yet poignant look at the power of unlikely connections. At its core, Where Have You Been? tells the story of two neighbors—each struggling with their own sense of isolation—who find comfort and understanding in each other.
Faris Al Bahri, a Lebanese actor known for his role in Netflix’s Al Rawabi School for Girls, delivers a heartfelt performance as a young artist. After being forced to leave his family home due to cultural tensions over his pursuit of music—an often controversial path in some Arab families—he starts a new life in a small, solitary apartment. Despite his passion for music, he finds himself drifting into isolation, separated from the world he once knew.
Enter Reem Saadeh, the seasoned Jordanian voice actress, also recognized for her role in Al Rawabi School for Girls. Playing the elderly neighbor who has also been left alone by her family, Saadeh’s character mistakes the young man for a thief when they first meet. Armed with a broom, she confronts him, setting the stage for a relationship that is both tender and humorous. What begins as an awkward misunderstanding evolves into a touching companionship, as the two bond over their shared loneliness and mutual love for music.
What makes Where Have You Been? stand out is its authentic portrayal of vulnerability. Mohammad Gotta delicately crafts a narrative that transcends age and background, showing how two very different people can find solace in one another. The film speaks to the beauty of human connection—how, even in a world that often pushes us apart, there is always the potential to bridge the gaps between us through empathy and understanding.
The story also addresses larger societal issues, particularly mental health and depression, themes that are often overlooked in Arab cinema. Through the lens of these two characters, the film gently urges viewers to be more compassionate and mindful of the emotional struggles others may be facing, especially the elderly, who are often marginalized or forgotten.
Supported by the Royal Film Commission-Jordan, Where Have You Been? is more than just a film about loneliness—it’s a celebration of the human spirit. It reminds us that despite our differences, we all share the same fundamental need for connection. The film advocates for kindness and patience, showing that, sometimes, all it takes to change someone’s life is a moment of understanding.
As it prepares for its world premiere, Where Have You Been? is set to resonate deeply with audiences, offering a heartfelt reflection on the power of human connection in an increasingly isolated world. With its universal themes and touching performances, Mohammad Gotta’s film stands as a gentle reminder that no one is truly alone if they’re willing to reach out to others.
Read more Lifestyle Content
Jordan News
