loophole

A psychodrama.

Based on a live performance choreographed by Reem Naamani.

Adapted for the screen.

Set in a club in Beirut, a young woman’s unresolved trauma reaches a boiling point.

In the absence of justice, can old coping mechanisms hold?

Loophole follows Sarah as she takes us where many Lebanese go when times are tough: the club. But this time, what begins as her weekly dose of escapism quickly becomes an immersive descent down the rabbit hole, through choreographic-generating tools.

Following the success of Glimpses of a Future - Now available on Netflix worldwide - Yaraqa is currently running its second Incubation Lab “LOOPHOLE” to pilot a novel film production in partnership with Reem Naamani & with the support of Drosos Foundation. We are currently at phase 3 of the lab - positioning and sourcing of seed money to finalize the post-production and move to Phase 4: festival run and distribution.

photography by Michel Zoghozghi

The Creative Process

2021 was a different kind of tough for people in Lebanon! Here's an insider’s look at the storyline, creative board, and challenges, all done through a process of researching, ideating, collaborating and creating.

Rehearsal Shots (The Befores)

Footage Shots (The Afters)

Scene 2 - Sarah makes her way to the coat-check and witnesses a few bodies inside, moving in a utilitarian manner. How funny to notice the choreography of labor. So odd.

Scene 3 - Sarah sees one single person dancing like it was their last day alive, or like they just got another chance at life. Techno music blasting.

Scene 4 - The music beat shifts, conjuring us all to face the DJ and throw our fists into the air, on the beat, over and over and over and over again.

Scene 4 - Revering in ecstasy, she opens her eyes for a moment to see the people around her, Sarah notices something is very off…

Scene 5 - “Everyone is looking. Everyone can see it too.” Anxiety building up, blushing on her cheeks. Back and forth, back and forth, until she can’t take it anymore.

Scene 6 - Blink. Behind Sarah we see a dance taking place - like a collective ritual - dust hazing the air. something is off. Is this real? Or are we in her mind

Scene 7 - We are now inside the bathroom with her as she holds herself up at the sink. Looking in the mirror, trying to compose herself.

Scene 8 - At the door of Ballroom Blitz, once again Sarah stands looking in. Bodies spread around in formation - backs bent, eyes on her. This is it. finding composure or giving in?