WOW Film 2012: Where Do We Go Now?

The opening night of WOW Film 2012 then (Turksib was just an appetiser), and what a way to start! Where Do We Go Now? directed by Nadine Labaki is simultaneously a thought-provoking view of the religious conflict in Lebanon and a genuinely entertaining film.

The film opens with a beautifully choreographed scene of a funeral procession with a poetic voice-over introducing the parable. Ladanki's primary occupation as a music video director shines through from this beginning, as well as scenes throughout the film where music and movement are weaved into the plot. It briefly seems like Where Do We Go Now? will just be a musical rom-com, focused on the potential relationship between Christian Amal (played by Ladanki herself) and Muslim Rabih, who we see flirting and dreaming of romance. But the film soon became so much more. Telling the story of a mythical village, linked to the outside world only by a precarious bridge and a weak TV signal, where Christians and Muslims live in harmony, Where Do We Go Now? highlights the fragility of peace and the futility of conflict. What seems an oasis of peace is clearly haunted by the recent memory of civil war, in which many husbands, sons and fathers lost their lives. The women are desperate to avoid further conflict, but their best efforts cannot counteract the weight of prejudice. Once word of the sectarian violence outside reaches the villagers, they seem almost brainwashed into believing that the two sides are natural enemies, and it only takes a few chance occurrences to rekindle the violent feud.

Yet just when you start to feel really down, there is totally unexpected humour. I don't want to spoil the surprise, but the methods the women take to distract the men from their conflict create both absurd laugh-out-loud situations and really heart-warming moments. It is a real pleasure to find a film that can deal with such a sensitive, difficult issue and still create such joy. Not only that, but its extremely well written and acted. I found myself caring deeply for the characters straight away. Every time the young protagonists Roukoz and Nassim headed out of the village, I was panicking that something would happen to them. The dedication that the women have to holding their community together makes them extremely likeable, so we cheer on all their schemes and wish that they can maintain peace.

The end of Where Do We Go Now? is full of hope. If we just put aside differences like religion and remember we are equal neighbours, we can live happily in harmony. The message is clear and simple, but sadly so often ignored in real life.