International Features Competition

YESTERDAY THE EYE DIDN’T SLEEP

Swiss Premiere
Rakan Mayasi
Belgium, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
2026, 100'
Genre
Recommended Age
12 years
VO. Arabic
ST. French, English
With
Jawaher Al Mawla, Rim Al Mawla, Yasser Al Mawla
In presence of
Rakan Mayasi, Wednesday November 4.
After a tragic incident on the border between Lebanon and Syria, two innocent women become collateral victims of a cycle of revenge between two clans. A captivating work.
In the mist of the Bekaa Valley, as the search for a missing young woman continues, her cousin hits a member of a neighboring Bedouin tribe with his car. This sets in motion the relentless workings of local traditions: two sisters, Rim and Jawaher, must travel to the rival clan to ease tensions. Part sociological study, part powerful direction, and with a few touches reminiscent of Abbas Kiarostami, Palestinian director Rakan Mayasi delivers a debut feature film of stunning formal mastery, examining the rigidity of traditional patriarchal social structures with a subtle and nuanced eye. A magnetic work whose visual precision and the presence of its non-professional actors shine through on screen.

Damien Brodard
Direction
Rakan Mayasi
Screenplay
Wahid Ajmi, Rakan Mayasi, Pôl Seif
Image
Pôl Seif
Editing
Louis De Schrijver
Music
Abed Kobeissy, Ted Regklis
Production
ATATA
With
Jawaher Al Mawla, Rim Al Mawla, Yasser Al Mawla
World sales
Salaud Morisset
Rakan Mayasi
1985, Palestine
Previous works
2023, The Key (Short, Director, Writer, Producer)
2021, Trumpets in the Sky (Short, Director, Writer, Producer)
2017, Bonboné (Short, Director, Writer, Producer)
2012, Roubama (Short, Director, Writer, Producer)
2010, Sea Sonata (Short, Director, Writer)
Wednesday 4 Nov. 20:30
Cinérama Empire

Friday 6 Nov. 16:00
Cinérama Empire