Haneen (Nostalgia)

A group of strangers at a train station, waiting for their final departure into exile.

Haneen aims to encapsulate a part of the collective cultural memory of the Syrian experience. An experience that has been marked by longing, sorrow, and loss.

The film tells the story of moving through unfamiliar landscapes while still being anchored to ancestral heritage. This story is for all individuals who have had to leave their homeland, and for anyone going through a journey planting new roots while being held back by memories.

  • Talal Akkad
    Director
  • Talal Akkad
    Producer
  • Diego Navarro
    D.O.P
  • Judy Turk
    Key Cast
    "Haneen"
  • Zafer Mamelli
    Key Cast
    "Traveller 2"
  • Badr Zayn
    Key Cast
    "Traveller 1"
  • Lea Joy Sabbaghian
    Key Cast
    "Girl with red apple"
  • Meghety Sazian
    Key Cast
    "Girl with red suitcase"
  • Ali Arafeh
    Voice Actor
  • Asbed S.
    Voice Actor
  • Louna Hamad
    Voice Actor
  • Bahaa Dabbagh
    Voice Actor
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    حنين
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 25 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 22, 2024
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    Arabic
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema
Director - Talal Akkad
Director Statement

Talal Akkad is a visual artist who passionately integrates themes of time and memory into his artwork. He has a strong tendency towards using archival material, infusing his creations with a profound sense of nostalgia. By playing with temporal signatures, Talal aims to blend contrasting elements to create emotionally resonant visuals that go beyond traditional boundaries. His main goal is to capture, preserve, and reshape memories, aiming to establish a connection with viewers as he shares timeless narratives.