Private Project

Salma in Japan

Salma in Japan is a five-episode series featuring Salma Zahore, where two rich cultures – Arab identity and the spirit of Japan – come together in a seamless fusion. Each week unveils a new city, associated with an emblematic Arabic song from a distinct era, tracing the evolution of the region’s music from the 1960s to the vibrant 2000s. Through this artistic journey, the series becomes a celebration of cultural harmony, identity and the universal power of music.

  • Hadi Moussally
    Director
  • h7o7
    Producer
  • Salma Zahore
    Key Cast
  • Olivier Pagny
    DOP & Post-production
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Web / New Media, Other
  • Runtime:
    7 minutes 4 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 7, 2025
  • Country of Origin:
    France, Lebanon
  • Country of Filming:
    Japan
  • Language:
    Arabic
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Hadi Moussally

Hadi Moussally was born in Lebanon in 1987.
By age 18, he decides to go study film direction in France where he acquires a first master’s degree in “Fiction Cinema” from Paris-Est Marne la Vallée University. Moussally then chooses to take on a complementary masters in “Documentary and Anthropological Cinema” from Paris X Nanterre University, in the course of Jean Rouch. In that respect, Hadi Moussally acquainted himself with reality-cinema. The anthropological and documentary approach accustoms him with the sense of keen observation of his subjects and alerts him to the importance of instantaneous shooting; whereas his fictional background gives him the urge of creating sensual, esthetically pleasing imagery universes.
From 2012, Hadi Moussally shifts towards the world of fashion and directs several experimental films some of which received various distinctions in festivals. In 2014 he made his first documentary on the end of his grandmother's life, and in 2016 a docu-portrait on a senior model. In 2018 he completed an experimental project on albinism "Positive" whose photos have been exhibited at the UNESCO, the City Hall of Paris and Beirut Art Fair as well. In 2015 he founded the production unit H7O7 whose main objective is to enable the making and promotion of films and photos with "hybrid" vocation where is privileged the mixture of genres between experimental, documentary, fashion and fiction. His films have been awarded worldwide and have received more than 50 awards and 350 selections in international festivals. In 2020, he founded the collective “Hybrid Wave” with around 30 hybrid artists from around the world.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Episode 1 : The adventure begins in Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital, where tradition meets modernity in dazzling form. Here, under the neon lights, Salma dances to Aziza, a masterpiece by Mohamed Abd El Wahab, the legendary Egyptian singer, actor and composer whose influence shaped twentieth-century Arabic music. Dancing to this timeless melody, Salma bridges generations and continents, mixing culture and queerness.

Episode 2 : In the second episode of Salma in Japan, Salma Zahore continues her adventure in a traditional Ryokan, where reality and surrealism blend with the iconic song Do You Love Me? by the Bendaly Family from Tripoli, Lebanon. This renowned family band gained widespread fame in the 1970s for their unique fusion of Arabic and Western musical styles. Known for their catchy tunes and heartfelt performances, the Bendaly Family became a cultural phenomenon, bridging diverse musical traditions and leaving a lasting impact on the music scene in Lebanon and beyond.

Episode 3 : In the third episode of Salma in Japan, Salma Zahore continues her exciting journey across Japan, arriving in Kyoto, a city known for its beautiful temples, peaceful Zen gardens, and rich cultural history. This episode also features the song “Ya Sababeen El Shay” (يا صبابين الشاي), first performed by the iconic Taroub (طروب) in 1973 and later brought back to life in 1997 by Aline Khalaf (ألين خلف), a popular Lebanese singer who made her mark in the 90s.

Episode 4 : In the fourth episode of Salma in Japan, Salma Zahore takes us on a melancholic journey to Hakone, a serene town known for its natural beauty and traditional hot springs, or onsen. Sherine’s Egyptian song Gharh Tani (جرح تاني) adds to the emotional tone of the episode. Sherine’s soulful voice fills the air, crying out the pain of another heartbreak while affirming her strength to overcome it. The heartbreaking lyrics, جرح تاني translated as “another wound”, create a poetic juxtaposition with the peaceful setting, amplifying Salma’s reflective moments amid the ethereal beauty of Hakone.

Episode 5 : Last stop: OSAKA – In the Final Episode of Salma in Japan, Salma Zahore concludes her journey in the vibrant and eclectic city of Osaka, a place where tradition and modernity intertwine seamlessly. Known for its bustling streets, neon-lit districts, and famously warm-hearted locals, Osaka exudes a lively and welcoming vibe. As her adventure comes to a close, the episode takes an unexpected yet powerful turn with Ruby’s song Enta Aref Leih (أنت عارف ليه). This track, which once sparked controversy for its bold portrayal of women’s liberation, unexpectedly resonated with queer communities, becoming a symbol of affirmation and self-expression. Ruby’s rise as a queer icon—perhaps without even realizing it—adds a layer of complexity to her work, making her an emblem of empowerment for many. With Osaka’s spirited energy as the backdrop and Enta Aref Leih as the soundtrack, Salma’s journey ends on a note of defiance, celebration, and reflection—perfectly encapsulating the transformative power of travel and music.