The story is about land mines. It follows a Canadian/ Iraqi urban artist who goes to Yemen amidst the heated conflict.
Upon his arrival, he is astounded by all the ordeals, he then meets with Yemeni artists, land mine extraction teams and with the local community to create art as a relief. Ambivalent emotions and challenges create a tone of hope and an authentic documentation of the threats of land mines and the power of dialogue.
Filming takes place in Mocha, no longer a major trading hub or a coffee market, the economy is largely based upon fishing. The new art entices a lot of interest, children and struggling families gossip about the foreign visitors and about the colors they brought to town.
The Director
Mazen Al Khayrat is a Syrian-Canadian Film Director, Writer, and Producer based in Abu Dhabi-UAE. Having more than 20 years of experience in Filmmaking and mass communication, Mazen succeeded to put his name among the most important and creative film directors in the UAE. He directed, wrote, and produced many documentaries, and corporate videos discussing social, cultural, and environmental issues.
Here is a sample of films he created during his career: Writer/Director of 100 Cans – 70 minutes (war-zone documentary). Writer/Director of The Tainted Veil – 80 minutes awarded documentary. Won several awards at several international film festivals and Academy Award shortlisted. Producer of Nanny Culture – 80 minutes awarded documentary. Director of We Can / Flash Mob. Writer/Director of Syrian Childhood Dreams – An awarded short film. Writer/Director of Together We Can- a 30 minutes environmental documentary. Writer/Director of Under Siege Documentary- an awarded film. Writer/Director of Reading Clinic (Short Documentary). Writer/Director of Autism (Short Documentary). Writer of Desert Superstar in 3D- a 35 minutes Stereoscopic Documentary. Producer of Zayed, Pride of the Emirates – a 40 minutes TV Documentary. |
Director Statement
100 Cans is not only a documentary that focuses on the issue of landmines in war times and the critical consequences on civilians’ life and social development, rather, it is considered a real model and a motivating shout to all sects and community organizations, with the necessity of positive initiatives towards practical changes, each according to his capabilities and specialization, as consecutive water drops drill rocks and sand grains carve the mountains.