Filming in the Shadow of War: Rakan Mayasi’s “Yesterday the Eye Didn’t Sleep” as Testimony to Resilience

Rakan Mayasi’s debut feature, “Yesterday the Eye Didn’t Sleep,” premiered at Cannes this year. This powerful and atmospheric tale of two Bedouin sisters navigating patriarchal rituals in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley was inspired by his grandmother’s forced marriage at 14.

The film’s shooting process was anything but straightforward. Mayasi and his team had to navigate the harsh realities of war-torn Lebanon, where Israeli jets occasionally bombed the region while they filmed. To capture this reality, Mayasi chose not to use elaborate equipment or scripted dialogue for his non-professional actors. Instead, he employed an observational approach that allowed the story to unfold organically.

“I never had one Bible, let’s say, or one answer that covered everything,” Mayasi explained in an interview with Variety. This collective research process involved meeting various tribes and learning about their experiences, which ultimately informed the narrative. His decision to shoot without a script was likely influenced by his own experiences growing up in Lebanon, where war was a constant presence.

The Unscripted Reality

Mayasi’s approach to filming was an act of resistance against the oppressive forces that have shaped the lives of those in the region. Shooting in a war-torn region is no easy feat, and Mayasi’s team had to face the harsh realities of living under constant threat. “Every day is horrible,” he said, acknowledging the toll that living with the possibility of another conflict takes on one’s mental health.

The improvised dialogue between non-professional actors added an extra layer of authenticity to the film but also posed significant challenges for Mayasi and his team. “If it wasn’t for this group or family playing the primary characters, I probably wouldn’t have made the film,” he said, highlighting the importance of building trust with local communities.

Lebanon’s Unspoken Story

Mayasi’s experiences in Lebanon are a testament to the resilience of its people. Despite the traumas inflicted upon them by decades of conflict, they continue to tell their stories through art and cinema. “Yesterday the Eye Didn’t Sleep” is not just a film about two sisters; it’s also a poignant portrayal of Lebanon’s unspoken story – one that continues to unfold amidst the chaos.

Mayasi’s grandmother was an integral part of his life and inspiration for this project. Her legacy lives on through “Yesterday the Eye Didn’t Sleep,” which serves as a powerful tribute to her memory.

The Long-Term Consequences

Making a film in war-torn Lebanon is not just about creating art; it’s also an act of resistance against the oppressive forces that seek to silence their voices. While “Yesterday the Eye Didn’t Sleep” premiered at Cannes, its true impact will be felt long after the credits roll.

The recent escalation of Israeli attacks on Lebanon has left many in the film community wondering what the future holds for artistic expression in the region. Will it continue to serve as a platform for resistance, or will the increasing pressure from external forces silence their voices? The enduring power of art to resist oppression and give voice to those who have been silenced for far too long is clear in Rakan Mayasi’s “Yesterday the Eye Didn’t Sleep.”