2020/2021 Winners & Shortlists

Write a short summary of what happens in the film

In this film we’re showcasing Makkah getting ready a few moments before the pilgrims arrive to perform Hajj. The film portrays Mekkah as never-seen-before, entirely empty, except for the few people who were putting their final touches in preparation for the pilgrims’ arrival.

Cultural / Context information for the jury

The holy city of Makkah never sleeps. It’s visited by pilgrims throughout the year. During the Hajj season alone, it hosts over 4 million pilgrims. Historically, the visual representation of Makkah was always portrayed busy with people. It’s almost impossible for any Muslim to imagine it any other way. Seeing an empty Makkah for the first time – along the music composition that was inspired by the art of Ebtihal – won the hearts of those who saw it. It was dubbed as the Best Hajj Film in 2019 by the news and viewers.

Tell the jury anything relevant about the direction. Do not name the director.

The challenge was to keep the viewers emotionally engaged without the human element. Much of the emotional bond between Muslims and Makkah is in the image of the pilgrims coming together. With that in mind, we relied on other elements to humanize the film and create that bond. The old music style of Ebtihal, which is a form of supplication that reflects the bond between Muslims and God, was a key element in connecting the viewer to the video. The song’s lyrics are about a Muslim’s yearning for Makkah; a feeling that Muslims are familiar with when they see the holy city, especially around the Hajj season. We made sure to play with camera angles and natural lighting to reflect Makkah in the most picturesque and majestic way.