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Before me (L’Homme de la maison)

Before Me is a bilingual film that explores social intolerance and its impact on children. Eight-year-old Mathis continues to be influenced by his father’s worldview after his recently divorced mother grows closer to her muslim neighbour.

Broadcast Television Premiere, CBC Television, Ottawa, September 2016
Winner, 2nd place - Narrative Films, Sandpoint Film Festival, Idaho, November 2016
Winner, Award of Excellence, Global Shorts, Los Angeles, November 2016
Winner, Meilleure Intention at Festival du Court-Métrage d'Auch, France, November 2016

  • Karim Ayari
    Director
  • Karim Ayari
    Writer
  • Karim Ayari
    Producer
  • Jith Paul
    Producer
  • Benjamin Gaillard
    Key Cast
  • Melodie Courval
    Key Cast
  • Nicolas Brosseau
    Key Cast
  • Said Cuda
    Key Cast
  • Karim Ayari
    Crew
  • Jith Paul
    Crew
  • Nicolas Seguin
    Crew
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    16 minutes 33 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 18, 2016
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    French
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • CBC Television Ottawa
    Ottawa
    Canada
    September 3, 2016
    Broadcast Premiere
  • Sandpoint Film Festival
    Idaho
    United States
    November 5, 2016
    Festival Premiere
    2nd place - Narrative Films
  • Festival du Court-Métrage d'Auch
    Auch
    France
    November 12, 2016
    European Premiere
    Winner, Meilleure Intention
  • Global Shorts
    Los Angeles
    United States
    October 31, 2016
    US Premiere (Online)
    Winner, Award of Excellence
  • Equality Festival
    Kiev
    Ukraine
    December 8, 2016
    Official Selection
  • Malaysia International FIlm Festival
    Kuala Lumpur
    Malaysia
    March 1, 2017
    Asian Premiere
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Karim Ayari

Karim Ayari is a young Canadian filmmaker born in Ottawa, Canada. He has degrees in both Communications (University of Ottawa) and radio-broadcasting (La Cité collégiale). In recent years, he travelled around the globe to pursue his passion for filmmaking.His documentary Lost Rails: Into the Kingdom, in which he follows three Canadian travelers in search for Cambodia’s legendary Bamboo Express, was his latest project acquired by CBC Television. In another recent documentary, Karim traveled to the slums of India to expose the serious problem of forced prostitution and human trafficking.In 2012, Karim wrote and directed his first feature film, Thirteen Downs, which opened the Ottawa International Film Festival. He then took on the role of cinematographer for the short film Algebra, which won the Best Technical Quality award at Ottawa’s Digi60 Short Film Festival.Karim’s most recent short film, Perfect, was a finalist the CBC Short Film Face Off 2013.

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Director Statement

With the ever growing concerns over terrorism and the distrust that grows with certain religious and ethnic groups, I felt obligated to make this film. On the surface, “Before Me” is a story of a broken family, but it ultimately sheds light on misunderstanding, intolerance and the influence on our next generation. The 2016 American election campaign, and more specifically the fear mongering encouraged by one specific candidate, is the genesis of the idea behind this movie.

I once read an article about a Mexican-American girl who was told by her school mate, a boy, that she would get deported once Trump would become president. I couldn’t help but wonder who this boy’s parents were and if they had any idea of the harm their influence could eventually have on their son and the society he was growing up in.

Although this film’s influence comes from the American media, its Canadian identity is clear. Being bilingual in Canada’s two official languages and set in the middle of winter, it shows us that ideas and beliefs are not shielded by a border. In doing research for this film, I found many people who became the inspiration for one of the characters.

Said Cuda, who played the role of Riadh in the film, had the task of authentically portraying muslim customs and traditions. As a muslim himself, he became an important resource in the research for the film’s character.

Most of the responsibility fell on the shoulders of a nine year old boy. The lead character was played by a child with little to no acting training, yet he played his character with passion.

“Before Me” is already my greatest achievement as a filmmaker and I hope to share its important message with the world.