Lil Watan [For the Nation], a music video for Mashrou’ Leila
Lebanese rock band Mashrou’ Leila’s single, Lil Watan (For the Nation), is a ballad excoriating the many diversions the countries' politicians use to rebuff calls for reform and progress.
Lil Watan's lyrics describe a country where any calls to challenge the status quo are met with invitations to "stop preaching" and "come dance with me a little." The video is meant to mimic the dynamic between Lebanese politicians and their constituents by using one of the most iconic forms of Middle Eastern entertainment, the belly dancer (Rakkasa), to divert listeners' attention from political corruption and dysfunction.
The art direction was inspired by vintage Lebanese and Egyptian music videos, and restaurant setups hosting belly dancers.
The choreography, set, lighting, wardrobe, and camera movement (one take) were designed to create a hypnotizing effect and add to the distraction, relegating the musicians and their agitation for political change into the shadows.
Inspired by vintage movie posters— titles and credits were hand scripted by an Arabic calligrapher.
New York, 2019
Leo Burnett 2014
We came up with the idea and pitched a rough video to the group. We created a production brief specifying set design, lighting, and wardrobe. We partnered with a Production house, Director, DOP, dancer, choreographer, and a theater lighting technician. This video was shot in one take.
Art Diretors: Emma Mouradian, Charbel Sawane
Creative Director: Areej Mahmoud
Director: Chadi Younes
Cinematographer: Touffic Tabbal
Dancer: Randa Makhoul
Choreographer: Naddra Assaf
Music Group: Mashrou’ Leila