In the world of cinema, the legacy of Jocelyne Saab, a Lebanese filmmaking pioneer, continues to inspire and provoke thought. Her work, particularly during her first decade of filmmaking from 1973 to 1983, is the subject of Mohanad Yaqubi's latest film, 'Revolutionaries Never Die'. This cinematic letter to Saab explores her historical depictions and their striking resonance with contemporary realities, inviting viewers to reflect on the enduring impact of her revolutionary spirit.
Yaqubi, a Belgium-based Palestinian filmmaker, found a personal connection to Saab's work through a shared experience. After his family's house in Gaza was bombed in April 2024, he discovered parallels between his own trauma and Saab's footage of her house being destroyed in Beirut My City. This discovery sparked a deeper exploration of Saab's archive, leading to the creation of 'Revolutionaries Never Die'.
The film delves into Saab's commitment to filmmaking and her ability to condense her experiences into powerful cinematic narratives. Yaqubi reflects on the question of how to continue Saab's work, especially in the face of escalating conflicts in the Middle East. He grapples with the idea of being a committed filmmaker, suggesting that it's a decision that can't be made without a commitment to films for liberation. This commitment, he argues, is something that must be explored and researched, as it's not typically taught in film schools.
'Revolutionaries Never Die' challenges the repetition in Saab's work, using time as a loop to disrupt and cut through the repetition. Yaqubi's film captures the feeling of time and space collapsing, reflecting the experiences of filmmakers today. Saab's positive outlook and hope, even in the face of destruction, are highlighted as a key aspect of her work and a message Yaqubi wants to project to audiences.
The title of the film, 'Revolutionaries Never Die', is a powerful statement inspired by an autobiographical book. It emphasizes the idea that revolution, even in the darkest times, is essential to prevent disappearance. Yaqubi sees Saab as a revolutionary in multiple senses, not only in the classical sense but also as a social and female film pioneer. Her legacy, he argues, is one that transcends death, making her an eternal figure who never truly dies.
'Revolutionaries Never Die' serves as a testament to Saab's enduring impact and a call to action for filmmakers and audiences alike. It prompts a re-examination of her work and a deeper understanding of the revolutionary spirit that continues to shape cinema and society.
