2015 Winners: What are they doing now? Ely Dagher, Palme d’or – Short Film
Now that the 2016 In Competition Short Films have been announced, let’s talk to last year’s prizewinner, looking back at his experience of the 2015 Festival and what has happened to him since then.
3 questions for Ely Dagher about his film WAVES ’98
What has happened to your short film since its success at the Festival de Cannes last year?
Since winning the Short Film Palme d’or the film has been travelling around the world and shown at many different festivals. Cannes was an amazing launch pad and has generated a lot of interest in my work and the film in particular. Another aspect is the extremely gratifying experience of sharing my film with people from all walks of life and different cultures and listening to their stories and how they relate to the film.
What advice would you give to this year’s In Competition directors?
The festival is at the heart of the film world and there’s so much to gain from the many artists that it attracts. Being selected In Competition is a win in its own right. Best not to stress too much and enjoy it.
What projects are you working on at the moment?
I’m currently working on a couple of small projects. But most of all I’m concentrating on developing and writing the script for what will eventually be my first feature film. It’s a very exciting time as I’m passionate about the subject I’m writing about as well as the direction and shape the script is taking.
