B2
Depicting a film that is based on actual events may seem a piece of cake from a viewer’s perspective, the story is already there right? And the exact scenarios are almost laid out from scene to scene. However, I tend to disagree, my lovely readers (and this is just my wholehearted and honest opinion), I believe that movies based on actual events are the most difficult to make. Aside from reliving all of the scenarios, the emotional investment is undoubtedly high, whether good or bad, either way will leave one’s heart with feelings that were already buried in the past. What more if you have to direct a film that left you and hundreds more broken almost 16-years ago? I’d say, it is an act of admirable courage to channel a painful experience into a relevant film. I happen to had the opportunity to review a notable film whose director did such, his name Francois Bittar of the short film “B2”
“B2,” tells the tragic story of a terroristic attack against the B2 residential compound in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia that happened in 2003. A true to life event that changes the lives of many Arabs. I can feel the high emotion attached to the film. The tragedy felt very raw, and I was crushed to piece. It brought back memories of the 9/11 attacks, though, in totally different locations and timeline, I felt the same heart-rending feeling I packed a long time ago. I remember I was the same age as Rami (one of the main characters in the film) when all the attacks happened, I can recall having the same questions he had about Al Qaeda.
The film is made with outstanding talent and effort, as well as sincere passion to tell a story speaking from the heart. Imagine how much it made me look back in time. Almost sixteen years back, I was then in sixth grade, and it made me feel as if it happened yesterday. But not just that, since I have my own family now, I was not able to handle the gravity of devastation and grievance that director Francois Bittar instills in the dramatization of the bombing in B2. My heart yearns along with Rami’s mother as she cries for Rami’s name out loud in the midst of the aftermath of the bombing in their neighborhood. And in line with the statement above, the cast was evidently splendid. I am impressed with the level of dedication and emotion they have poured into this movie. I feel the connection of being a real family that the dramatization couldn’t have been more real as it already was.
Indeed, a memorable movie to commemorate the lives perished in B2 and a story that the whole world has to see and remember. I couldn’t ask for more from this film and its promising director. The film was packed with heartfelt emotions and outstanding qualities that had exceeded my expectations for a student filmmaker. I am proud of what Francois Bittar has delivered in the short film “B2” a combination of brilliance in filmmaking and courage to tell a personal story.
