Lebanese Director Karim Kassem Explores Migrant Issues in New Film ‘Pipes’
10 reported
Lebanese director Karim Kassem's new film "Pipes" premieres at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival's Crystal Globe Competition, marking his fifth film in five years. The film expands on a supporting character from his 2024 drama "Moondove," focusing on Hassan, a retired water authority worker who helps neighbors in a small Lebanese village. Kassem told Variety that audience requests after "Moondove" prompted him to extend Hassan's story, using non-actors from the village. The film addresses water issues and migrant worker disappearances, a subject Kassem said is often overlooked. Kassem noted that his background in philosophical studies and news, influenced by his father's work as a news producer, shapes his approach to political themes. He credited consistent funding from MENA funds, particularly the Doha Film Institute, for enabling his prolific output.
What’s reported
"Pipes" is having its world premiere at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival's Crystal Globe Competition.
The film is Kassem's fifth feature in five years, following works like the IDFA-winning "Octopus."
"Pipes" expands on the story of Hassan, a character from Kassem's 2024 drama "Moondove."
Hassan is played by Ghassan Saad and is a retired water authority worker who helps neighbors.
The film uses an ensemble of non-actors from the village, according to Kassem.
The story involves a migrant worker whose death may not have been an accident.
Kassem said he received messages from audience members asking him to extend Hassan's story.
Kassem stated his father is a news producer and that news has been around him most of his life.
Kassem said he is also a cinematographer, which helps with preparation and cost estimation.
Kassem said consistent funding from mostly MENA funds, including the Doha Film Institute, has allowed him to work at this pace.
Key figures
Karim Kassem: Lebanese director
Ghassan Saad: Actor playing Hassan in "Pipes"
Doha Film Institute: Funding body mentioned by Kassem
Sources: Variety
