Hana in LCL wonderland

I feel like this is going to be a long wave of emotions so bear with me .. I am reflecting on everything I felt during my LCL experience .. I am doing that while feeling like a totally different person .. Is it even possible? Are three weeks enough to do that?

Let me just guide you through the journey:

What is LCL?

LCL (Lights. Camera. Learn) is an international, non-profit organization that connects cultures to empower and educate children through the art of filmmaking. Through its camps, LCL unites Filmmakers and Educators with children of different backgrounds to direct their own movies, thus individualizing and innovating their educational experience.

How did I hear about LCL?

I am a big believer of this saying: “Everything happens for a reason”. One day, my cousin sent me Amal’s Instagram profile (the founder of LCL) and she was like: Follow her please! I love her! And so I did. For that, I will always be grateful for her. Thank you Mamtou ♥ I followed this amazing soul and came across the reel about the internship. At that moment, something magical happened inside of me .. I saw myself in her and so many things she said in that reel reminded me of my dream project. Without thinking twice, I applied.

The story:

One thing you need to know: My life before this experience was lingering in a dull routine. I was feeling a huge void and I was striving for anything that could offer me some fulfilment and self-satisfaction.

I applied last minute and did not think I had a chance. If I am being honest here, it wasn’t the greatest first day, maybe because I was late and missed the integration phase. At the end of the day, the infamous “inner voice” awakened in me and whispered: “Let’s reconsider this”, “No need to be doing something you’re not that comfortable with”, “Do not force this on yourself”, etc. But then, I stood up for myself and retorted: this is why I am here, to challenge this voice, to challenge myself, to push her out of her comfort zone. And I am so glad I did not listen to that voice, because if I did, I would’ve missed the greatest experience I had in my life (YES, IT IS THAT).

The next two days were an amazing turn of events! I discovered the beauty of the people that make up the LCL family! We went camping in Testour! Everything was absolutely AMAZING! But there was an exact moment that made me feel at home ♥ That camping night, after finishing eating, Amal said “Are you ready for our first GRR?”. I had no idea what that meant. We gathered in a circle and she started explaining the concept. GRR is short for Group Reflection and Relaxation. It’s a safe space where we answer questions and share our inner thoughts. One question was: “What is one thing you’re grateful for?” At that moment, I was grateful for that circle that took me out of my comfort zone to exactly where I needed to be, that circle of people who two days ago were but mere strangers and suddenly felt like family to me ♥ And so it began. We had a great camping experience and the next day we went swimming! It was LEGEN- wait for it- DAAAAARY (like any other part of this story).

On the 20th began the best chapter of this story, working with the stars (the kids). The first day was a discovery for all of us, a discovery of the uniqueness that is each star. It was the day of building connections, of creating a safe (but also fun) space for the stars.

The second day was also very special. It was the day where we introduced them to this year’s four themes: smoking, plastic, sexism and racism. I always believe that the fastest way to accelerate change is to raise the new generations’ awareness. Discussing these issues with the stars was such a great experience. You can actually feel their minds opening up to new ideas, and critically thinking about these problems. I was surprised to see what these future leaders had to say!

After day two, I was confident that this new generation, with the right guidance, has the potential to take this world to a whole other level!

At the end of day two, we were all sad and disappointed when we received the news that the SOS kids need to go into a COVID lockdown in the village. But we worked around it. You know why? Because we’re flexible! These stars started joining LCL sessions in 2017. Seeing them grow from year to year is simply heart-warming. We decided to go to the village after the session and film a movie with them there. Since they were in their own comfort zone, they really excelled and were super creative. They were the stars and also the directors of the movie. When we interviewed them later, they all agreed that it was better doing the session in the village with their own friends. But a main LCL mission is to bring kids from different backgrounds together. That’s why it’s very important for these beautiful souls to be integrated into society.

The next four days in our session were literally a roller-coaster ride of emotions, excitement, stress and many mixed feelings. After choosing the teams and attributing a theme for each team, the hard work started! We had to brainstorm with the stars and write a script in one day and then start filming! Words can’t even describe the state of trance I got into those days! I was over the clouds, running from one place to another, creating props for our scenes, rehearsing with the stars, making encouragement leaflets for the team. The main challenge for me was to keep everyone motivated and to spread energy within my team. Each day was a non-stop wave of hard work! You would think by the end of the day we will be dead but no! no! no! We are the “work hard, play harder” people! After the non-stop days of hard work, come the non-stop bus dance parties!

The feeling I got once we finished filming all the scenes is simply indescribable! It was the peak of overwhelming emotions. I couldn’t be prouder of my team and our stars who unveiled their great talents and perseverance. ♥

The most satisfying part of these days was seeing the progress each star has made! It’s amazing to see how just 6 days can be impactful and how they can help these young leaders learn more and most importantly to trust themselves more! One star in our team made me exceptionally proud! You literally couldn’t hear her voice on the first day. The day we were discussing the type of characters in our movie, I talked to her and told her there is nothing she can’t do and then I asked her what kind of character she would like to be. She told me she wanted to be the shy character. Then, all by herself, she came to me and she told me I changed my mind and I want to be the bold character. Observing her come out of her shell all throughout the production days was an incredible sight to see!

Maybe you would say 6 days are not enough to get attached to someone! But you’d be wrong! A strong bond was created between the stars and both the filmmakers and the edutainers! The last day was so emotional .. full of hugs and sweet words that made the stress and the tiring sleep-deprived days all worth it! I miss each one of them so badly!

Our story may not be a fairytale with its own happy ending. After we finished working with the stars, editing days started. Unfortunately, on Editing day 2, we received the news that one of our friends tested positive for Covid. Many of us caught Miss Rona (including myself) and we did not get the chance to have our red carpet event. We did not get our proper goodbyes! It was weird .. but you know what? WE GOT THIS! You know why? Because we’re flexible!

Our happy ending will come and it will be the most LEGENDARY part of the story.

The story behind the story:

There’s a quote that I love so much from The forty rules of love by Elif Shafak that says: “Every true love and friendship is a story of unexpected transformation”. My story with LCL and with these beautiful people was exactly that! I came out of it a different person. Different doesn’t mean I changed .. It means that I embarked upon a journey of self-discovery and self-reflection, one that impacted me from deep within. This experience was a gift sent from God .. It was everything I needed and more .. It has been a long time since I didn’t feel this ALIVE, HAPPY, SATISFIED and LOVED.

This journey was for me the EUPHORIC experience of many firsts: the first horse ride .. the first time doing volunteer work .. the first time making a movie .. the first dance party under the rain .. the first time directly working with kids .. the first time making an international friend .. and the first time getting Covid :D Can you think about any of your special first times and just remember the charm it left you with? I am there .. under that spell and I simply haven’t moved on!

It might sound weird and over-dramatic for some people when I say how grateful I will always be for this experience. It made me feel whole again. I suddenly found meaning in what I am doing after a long void. It made me see things clearer for my future. It made me figure out many unsorted questions. It made me get in touch with my deepest fears and worries and face them. It made me realize what I deserve. It made me reflect about my dreams and got me so motivated to start working towards them! Because this is what the LCL spirit is all about: MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE!

One more thing I am grateful for is how unique each member of the team is! Our differences made the beauty of our crew and made our bond so strong. I never thought I’d have the chance to meet people this different from me. And of course who would if no one got out of his comfort zone?

Amal, thank you for existing. Thank you for bringing LCL to life ♥ Thank you for being the open love-spreading beautiful soul you are. Thank you so much for all your sharing, you encouragements and your spontaneous touching speeches ♥

Habibis ♥, I want to thank each one of you for putting a beautiful unique touch upon my soul. Thank you for all the unconditional love, priceless memories, crazy laughs, emotional moments, sincere hugs, silly jokes, deep talks and every single shared moment! Thank you for all the love you filled me with and finally thank you for truly deeply madly impacting my life ♥