Labaki

Its lIke lIvIng In a movIe.

Nadine

46 / DECEMBER 2011

Lebanese FiLm Director anD actress NadiNe Labaki is the name on everyboDys Lips. GirLs want to be her; branDs want to work with her; anD everyboDy wants to see her new movie where Do we Go now. recentLy nameD the miDDLe east a/w intropia woman For hoss intropia, Labaki takes time out oF her busy scheDuLe to taLk to OrNa baLLOut about her FiLms, Fashion anD Fame...

I havent

completely lost my postpartum fat. Sometimes people notice my small tummy, which I try to conceal as much as possible, and think Im pregnant again its not true, Nadine Labaki reveals to GLAM when we quiz her about her secrets. Well, Labaki has us fooled. The last time we saw her, she was turning up the glamour volume at the Doha Tribeca Film Festival, where she managed to whip up a media frenzy looking svelte and sophisticated in an array of out-of-this world gowns. Her presence at DTFF was one among many film festival appearances where shes been busy judging competitions, speaking about her career, while also showcasing her new movie Where Do We Go Now which explores the story of a group of Lebanese women trying to calm tensions between Christians and Muslims in their village. The new film is tipped to become a box office hit as its already received the Peoples choice award at the Annual Toronto International Film Festival and the Audience Award for Best Narrative at DTFF.

photoGraphy by Jihad hOJeiLy

DECEMBER 2011 / 47

Where Do We Go Now has given me the ability to portray things I want to say and explore. Im really happy its been well received by people around the world. Lebanon is such a small country with no film industry, so it makes me proud to showcase a Lebanese film to the rest of the world, Labaki shares. It was Labakis debut film Caramel which catapulted her into the global spotlight. Before her foray into the movie world, she was a household name in the region, renowned for her work as a director of many popular Arab music videos and commercials. On being famous, she notes: I feel OK its fun. But its not about being famous; its really about achieving things and having the ability to express who you are. Its such a fulfillment to have so many people listening to and seeing what you have to say. Labaki is a superwoman when it comes to movie making as she manages three important tasks in the creation process including scriptwriting, acting and directing. Quite a feat! When asked whose shoes shed like to step into for a day, her answer proves how comfy shes in her own. Its a very hard question because I like to be a different person every day. Film making allows me to explore this. I create worlds which allow me to play roles exploring my many different natures. It doesnt have to be one kind of nature, job or personality. I like to live many lives! Labaki may get fulfilment channelling her many avatars, yet in the same instance is presented with many challenges. Making films in Lebanon is very difficult as theres no film industry. Its always a battle to make a film. You come across a lot of obstacles because people arent used to it, however we end up
48 / DECEMBER 2011

Rapid-fire
The hoss InTropIa woman Is: an achiever...a working woman... a mother someone who is trying to fulfil things in her life but at the same time is a normal person. Fave pIece From hoss InTropIa: the leather jacket it reflects my personality, is practical, comfortable and looks good. sIgnaTure sTyle: simple, elegant and comfortable. sTyle Icons: any lady who knows how to dress well and looks graceful in whatever shes wearing. wardrobe sTaple: Pair of jeans. Fave desIgners: elie saab, milia m and stephane Rolland.

overcoming them which makes me happy. I mainly work with non-professional actors, and the fact that Im acting and directing at the same time makes it even more challenging. Writing, acting, directing as well as jet-setting across the globe for film promotion, one would imagine Labaki has little time to do much else. I try to spend as much time as possible with my two-year-old son. Aside from that, I like to practice yoga and pilates although its not on a regular basis as travelling is time consuming. On the subject of family, Labaki is truly living the fairytale romance as she met her Musical Composer husband Khaled Mouzannar while writing her first film Caramel. Its really special to have a close working relationship with a music composer; its helpful as the music is born with the film. Everything revolves around what youre doing. Some girls may find working and living with their spouse too much to handle, but not so in Labakis case. Its like living in a movie! Our job isnt about numbers or profitability. Its about art and creativity its nice to talk about these things. Sharing a human experience makes you feel better.

'intropia woman' naDine Labaki moDeLs DesiGns From the a/w hoss intropia coLLection
DECEMBER 2011 / 49