The screening halls at the Bahrain Film Festival for Short Films were filled with an audience of interested people and filmmakers to attend the premiere of the short film “Salem but Salem”, by Bahraini director Omar Farouk, in which he presents a dramatic experience that raises a sensitive topic about the struggle of the mentally ill with society. The film is Omar Farouk’s second experience in the field of short films after the success of his first experience, which received wide attention in regional festivals, as he returns this time with a work that presents a new angle in presenting the complex relationship between a person and his society when mental illness intersects. With social judgments, in a dramatic treatment that leaves room for contemplation and interpretation for the viewer. The film comes as a result of cooperation between a group of prominent names in the creative and production field, including Hashem Sharaf as creative director, and Jassim Buhiji and Khaled Bin Younis as executive producers, in addition to producer Bashar Abu Al-Fath, along with a team of actors and technicians who contributed to presenting an integrated work in terms of image, performance and direction. The film focuses on the conflict that takes place between mental illness and society, through a dramatic treatment that highlights the gap between The individual’s internal suffering and the view of others on him, in a realistic presentation that raises questions about the extent of society’s acceptance and understanding of psychological problems. “Salem is not Salem” is distinguished by its special directing style, as it was filmed entirely in one continuous shot (One Scene Shoot), which gave the work dramatic tension and an intense realistic feeling, and created a viewing experience close to live theater that relies on the instantaneous performance and natural interaction between the actors. The premiere of the film witnessed a remarkable presence from the audience, who They interacted with the atmosphere of the film and its different style, in a way that reflects the diversity of the participating young energies and their keenness to provide artistic and humanitarian content. The film is the result of joint cooperation between Anfas Creative Production Company and “The Creator Space”, in an experience that seeks to highlight youth energies in the region, and open a space for works that address some issues from a contemporary artistic perspective.
