Experiencing Interruptions?

A Sotto Voce Night

Lily, a woman in her 20s, sits alone in a bar, conversing quietly with a familiar man. As they talk, she reflects on her life choices, particularly her career path and relationships. As the night unfolds, their exchange touches on unresolved issues, revealing Lily's struggle to reconcile her past with her future. It becomes clear that this conversation is not just with any man, but one that stirs old memories connected to this bar—a place her father frequented every Tuesday. In a quiet, unexpected moment, the truth is revealed—she has been speaking to her father, unearthing her deepest fears and desires, all while she sips on her whiskey.

  • Joanna Arida
    Director
  • Joanna Arida
    Writer
  • Mahdi Abu Salma
    Producer
  • Leen Hamarneh
    Producer
    Red Sea Makes Me Wanna Cry
  • Nour Seraj
    Key Cast
    "Lailah"
    The Place
  • Samer Hamarneh
    Key Cast
    "Lailah's Father"
    Chronicles of Her
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 35 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 1, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    560 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Jordan
  • Country of Filming:
    Jordan
  • Language:
    Arabic
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - New York Film Academy
Director Biography - Joanna Arida

Joanna Arida is an aspiring filmmaker and screenwriter with a background in architecture. After gaining notable acting experience, most prominently in Netflix's AlRawabi School for Girls as Rania, Joanna developed a keen interest in the behind-the-scenes aspects of the film industry. For the past two years, she has been dedicated to studying screenwriting and filmmaking at the New York Film Academy. Alongside her studies, she has been interning in the Art Department on various short films, gaining hands-on insight into the filmmaking process. Currently, Joanna has one short film in preproduction, set to be shot this winter, a short film in post-production, and a feature film in development.

Her acting credits include roles in series and films such as 220 Days (Shahed), Boomah (Front Row Films), All Before You (Netflix), and Laura H. (Mockingbird Productions). Joanna’s multifaceted experiences and dedication to her craft underscore her commitment to bringing unique and compelling stories to life through film.

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Director Statement

As a filmmaker, I seek to tell stories that shift the focus away from the prevailing narrative of conflict that often overshadows Arab identity. This film is a quiet and simple reminder that our lives are full of love, family, and personal struggle too —experiences that are universal, yet deeply individual. Through a simple conversation between a daughter and her deceased father, I aim to humanize the Arab experience, highlighting our emotional landscapes, our unspoken bonds, and our quest for personal fulfillment, far removed from the violence that the world often associates with us.