CHANTING OF THE DUNES

Directors:

Writers:

Mokhless Al-hariri

Producers:

Maria Midani, Mokhless Al-hariri

Run Time:

1:26:00

Awarded for the following Category(s):

Awarded Category(s)

Chanting of the Dunes has so far won over 40 awards and 20 nominations!

The film takes viewers on a dazzling journey through multiple countries and during momentous world events that extend from the Levant in the 1920s to the U.S. and China in the 1990s.

Chanting of the Dunes recounts the life of Wahbi Al-Hariri-Rifai who was an accomplished international artist, architect, archeologist, and author. It is told through the mixed perspective of his wife, Widad Marachi, who married him at the age of 15. The fascinating storyline is full of unexpected turns and is accompanied by a superb award-winning soundtrack.

The film is beautifully illustrated through hundreds of meticulously restored black/white and color archival photographs and original footage.

According to festival managers, the film exceeds all expectations and represents a new cinematographic genre between narrative feature and documentary. Many have called it “extraordinary, moving, mesmerizing, full of messages...”

Submitter Statement

Born in Aleppo, Syria, Mokhless Al-Hariri grew up in Paris, France, and lives in the U.S. He is recognized as an award-winning film director, producer, architect, author, visual artist, and photographer. He is known for pushing creative boundaries and his work reflects a commitment to cultural diversity and artistic innovation. In addition to his 2024 award-winning feature film, Chanting of the Dunes, he also wrote and directed several short documentaries and promo films.

Key Cast

Other Credits

Film Editor: Tod Hopkins; Narration: Nada Kouatly; Main Theme Composer: Amina Garcevic Tagaldin; Score Composer: Ali Sehir