Tuesday, March 13th, 2012
By Hadi Ghandour
Winner 2012 – Best Student Film
Ever since he was a kid, Danny was always a romantic. To him, falling in love with women who don’t love him back was an essential part of the creative process that made him into a successful writer. But then he meets Eve, his ideal woman and the first to ever love him back. That’s when Danny begins to wonder: is a perfect relationship good for him and his career?
About the director
After graduating from the University of Southern California in 2003, Hadi Ghandour directed and produced a series of feature-length documentaries entitled Americans that were broadcast on international television network “Alhurra”. In 2008, Hadi was accepted to the prestigious London Film School, where he wrote and directed several short films. He has just completed his thesis film, Love After Sunrise, and is developing a feature film set in Beirut.
Judges’ comments
This works very well with the conceit of breaking the fourth wall with characters acknowledging and addressing the viewer. Very assured editing. Cleverly follows the format of classic French romantic films from the past – so it tells a kind of love story whilst maintaining an ironic distance. – Tim McInnerny
An interesting idea, and some good use of blocking and camera work – however it lacked a consistent style and suffered from having too many conflicting story-telling devices: voice-over, flashback, talking to camera – which made it feel unmodulated and like it was trying too hard at times. But certainly a lot of thought had gone into it, and I felt the voice of the director more than in any of the other films here. – Jim Field Smith
A mature look at the seemingly perfect relationship written and directed with absolute assurance by Hadi Ghandour. Nicely played by the cast too and a style that didn’t get too self importatant, maintaining a perfect balance of humour and drama. – Steve Furst
Posted in: 2012 Films In Detail