Private Project

Dear F...

“This story I am going to tell you is the same story as any Algerian will tell you when you’re living abroad...”

Dear F... is a hybrid documentary that navigates the intricate dynamics between personal and collective histories. Intertwining stories of Algerian migrants and their diaspora. Born in the early 90s, the filmmaker discovers a cache of letters from that turbulent time, shedding light on the challenges faced by Algerians.

Blending the past and the present day through conversation with local barber Walid, whose shop is adorned with Algerian identity. The barbershop itself a symbol of transformation, knowledge and community, navigates how migrant identities connect with ideas of home. Dear F... nurtures connections through letters and conversations, always circling back to the starting point.

  • Hannan Jones
    Director
  • Karen Kelly
    Producer
    The Way I Welcome You
  • Reman Sadani
    Editor
  • Alexander Hetherington
    Director of Photography
  • Walid
    Key Cast
    "The Barber"
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Experimental, Short
  • Genres:
    documentary, short, hybrid, narrative
  • Runtime:
    6 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 26, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    2,500 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    16mm
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Hannan Jones

Hannan Jones is an artist of Algerian and Welsh origin. Raised on Bindjareb Noongar Country and based in Glasgow, Scotland.

Research-led, Hannan deep dives into concepts of hybridity, language, and rhythm associated with cultural and social migration, and psycho-geography. Through working at the intersections of sound, sculpture, installation, and moving image to find ‘togetherness’, and to enable space and expand our perspectives while reflecting ourselves in our surroundings.

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Director Statement

I practice at the intersections in attempt to find moments of togetherness. I am interested in the materiality of moving-image working with 16mm and Super 8 film.

My films reflect an auto-biographical position and speak to experiences of migration, diaspora, individual and collective narratives.