ISH AÏT HAMOU
Episode description
Award-winning author and filmmaker Ish Aït Hamou sits down with Dominique Nzeyimana to discuss his remarkable debut feature film 'BXL' and the emotional journey behind its creation.
Born to Moroccan parents in Belgium, Ish opens up about growing up underneath the towering chimneys of one of Belgium's most infamous factories, carrying the weight of bi-cultural and scholastic expectations and confronting identity crises.
He shares his evolution from dancer to TV judge to award-winning writer and now filmmaker, crediting early inspirations from poetry, literature and music in shaping his creative voice.
The conversation delves deep into the themes of 'BXL' - which he wrote and directed with his big brother Monir - mainly through the characters of Fouad and Tarek – two brothers wrestling with societal and familial expectations.
Ish and Dominique explore the nuanced portrayal of youth identity struggles and mental health issues that often go unaddressed.
Ish discusses the ins and outs of bringing his and Monir's vision to life, how to tackle feedback notes from a funding committee and the importance of owning your story.
Follow Ish Aït Hamou HERE.
Go see ‘BXL’ in theatres now. More info HERE.
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