Beep: a film that deals with life’s everyday issues

A five minute film that has no dialogue, but speaks volumes about the everyday issues of life.

Unravelling the graphic details about life which everyone can relate to, veteran producer, Haytham Saqr knew he had struck gold when he came across the script for his latest production, Beep.

Based on a story by writer and novelist, Ziad Abdallah, Saqr says, he got excited as soon as he read it for the first time. “It felt so true and graphic and the fact that these things happen to us everyday without much notice, made the script very attractive to me as a filmmaker, so I decided to put it into action right away.”

Production took place in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., Beep has no dialogue and no specific cultural references. Designed to address the modern man, regardless of where he is from, Saqr decided to try the silent film genre, after pursuing further training as a director in the United States. A veteran TV and film producer in the region, his signature style combined with his years at high profile production houses and TV stations, can be seen throughout his work: The film is short and sweet. He explains, "We did not decide from the beginning to limit ourselves, however the general feel was to make it up to 5 minutes long. A short time frame was enough to portray the story and reflect the fast paced tempo of the lives we are depicting in the film."

our lives have become so dependent on technology

Selected and funded by creative lab, based on its originality, Beep specifically focuses on the digital world and its influence in our everyday life. "The digital influence in our day-to-day activities is really overwhelming....Many people don't realise it, however our lives have become so dependent on technology."

In regards to post-production, Saqr explains how creative lab played a major role in helping him develop the final product. "Working with creative lab was such a wonderful opportunity. It took a little bit of time to approve the varied aspects of production, however they were very co-operative. The most important thing for me as an Indie filmmaker, was to have control over my creative vision. In fact, their input helped me to unravel the story."

Good news for Saqr and his team. Beep has been accepted to the following film festivals:

Seoul International Extreme-Short Image and Film Festival, Korea

Arab Film Festival, California

Chilean International Short Film Festival of Santiago, Chile

The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, Florida, USA

International Izmir Short Film Festival, Turkey 

Cleveland International Film Festival, Ohio, USA

Saqr is quite eager to see what viewers will say about his directing debut in film."My intentions are useless, unless they manage to manifest in the film itself." Uncensored, Beep is one film you don't want to miss. Stay tuned.