The Faculty of Media at Middle East University recently played host to acclaimed filmmaker and National Geographic photojournalist Annie Sakkab. This high-profile engagement provided students with a rare opportunity to interface with a global practitioner at the intersection of visual journalism and cinematic storytelling.
During the session, Sakkab screened her short film, The Poem We Sang, an evocative visual experience that showcases her signature approach to narrative documentary. The work seamlessly integrates rigorous journalistic inquiry with a profound artistic sensibility, offering a masterclass in the documentation of human experience and authentic storytelling.
The screening was followed by an in-depth colloquium, where Sakkab deconstructed the multifaceted stages of the film’s production. She provided a comprehensive overview of the creative lifecycle—from the initial conceptualisation of the idea through to the technical rigours of cinematography, editing, and directorial decision-making—while candidly discussing the professional hurdles inherent in such a project.
Furthermore, the event facilitated a dynamic interactive dialogue, allowing students to engage directly with Sakkab’s expertise. This exchange offered invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of visual journalism and independent filmmaking, empowering the next generation of media professionals to refine their own creative and technical paths.