TOMORROW IN SIGHT
Forced to leave his homeland after coming out as gay and HIV-positive, Zuheir Kredieh is now an award-winning filmmaker. He’s also winning hearts, as Marc Andrews discovered.
Zuheir Kredieh is an award-winning filmmaker. He’s also winning hearts.
Early last decade, a Lebanese student filmmaker, Zuheir Kredieh made a documentary as a university project in which he came out as both gay and HIV-positive. The film went viral globally on the film festival circuit but was heavily criticised in Lebanon.
After being verbally abused, and facing the threat of prison, Zuheir arrived in the UK in June, 2017 and sought asylum based on persecution because of his sexuality and HIV status in Lebanon. After gaining refugee status in London, and a scholarship at the Central Film School to complete his masters in directing, the 31-year-old made a psychological melodrama about two gay men based on the true story of a friend dying from cancer.
See You Tomorrow has gone on to win numerous international film awards and taken him on a journey from local pariah to global prize-winner.
Flying was once a dream, an idea, a vision. Never underestimate what you can do.
DNA: See You Tomorrow has been winning lots of awards. Congratulations.
Zuheir Kredieh: No words can tell how proud I am of the achievements of See You Tomorrow so far. At a film festival in Hollywood, it won an outstanding achievement award and in London was named best LGBTQ+ film. I ask myself, what are the chances of a film being selected from hundreds of films as the winner? I feel very grateful.
Where does the story of the film come from? It’s based on a true story. It’s mainly the story of me, or Alex in the film, finding a hospice for Steve, the guy I met a few times who died from cancer, and everything around this.
The film was your masters’ degree project but has gone on to be much more.
It was, but turned out to be a story of love that got to the heart of every single person who watched it and touched a huge number of audiences.
You became slightly infamous in Lebanon at the time of your coming-out documentary. [Laughs] I was a bit famous for being the gay director who has HIV. In 2014 I decided to come out as gay and HIV-positive in a documentary that discussed my deportation from Dubai in 2012 because of being positive and the reaction of my family and friends. It looks at the ignorance of some people and also the love and support of my friends and some of my family. It is the story of hope for every person who is living with HIV in the Middle East. My documentary was selected to screen at Beirut International Film Festival, where the media were keen to put the spotlight on me.
Why did you move to London?
After my TV appearances I encountered lot of verbal harassment on the street. The great Egyptian writer, Nawal El Saadawi said, “Home is not where you are born in prison, home is where you feel appreciated, creative, safe and loved.”
Do you consider yourself a refugee?
Legally, yes, I am a refugee, but London never made me feel like that. The journey wasn’t easy, but I always felt loved and safe here.
How was life in London when you arrived? Especially in the first month I was super happy like a tourist and experienced my first Gay Pride. The day I landed my first question was, “Where is a gay bar?” My friend’s husband guided me: “Go out of the building, turn right and walk for three minutes!” It was Soho. I felt as if I was in a dream. I tasted freedom.
A month later, when the journey of being an asylum seeker started, I was very anxious and also experienced hunger and homelessness. I don’t want to sound poetic but I really felt warm in this cold city. I simply love London.
Your talent has taken you places quickly. [Beaming] I just love my career. Let me confess something: I am the worst filmmaker when it comes to watching films. If you asked me to name three Robert DeNiro films I wouldn’t be able to. My friends make fun of me and say, “Zuheir only likes his own films!” I’m really bad at watching films but I do have few I’ve watched thousands of times like Sunset Boulevard and Saraband. When I was doing my interview for London’s Central Film School, I was asked about the three traits a director needs to have on set. I said, “Love, love and love,” and I got the full scholarship.
What were some of the issues you encountered making See You Tomorrow?
No issues! [Laughs]. I’m the only issue of See You Tomorrow because I’m a perfectionist and I don’t trust people easily when it comes to production. It was very tough to be in the rehearsals with my actors, focusing on the script and story and obsessing about the production work at the same time.
What do you hope queer audiences get from your movie?
I don’t like to use the words “queer audiences” because I don’t like to divide the audience into categories. I’m a queer filmmaker but my films are for everyone. I’d like to touch them with feelings. Sometimes we love a film without knowing why. This is the work and sensitivity of the filmmaker who has hooked us in.
Why do you think See You Tomorrow has been so well-received?
Because it’s very honest, transparent and the audience felt this. I’m not very surprised because I do believe in what I do and I have faith in my talent and in the power of speaking to people through film.
What’s next for you?
Like any filmmaker, my aim is to find a producer who believes in me. Until then I’m writing a feature film and trying to get funds from the British Film Institute.
What advice would you give for other young queer filmmakers?
Hady Zaccak [Lebanese filmmaker] told me to make films about things I know from my daily life. Then I will succeed. That was the best advice.
When you’re not making movies what do you like to do?
I’m a thinker. I overthink, which can be toxic at some point. That’s why I go out and take photographs, too. I’m an observer, I listen to people’s chat and get inspired. There’s always a story that needs to be told. Creativity can go wrong if we sit and don’t move.
How was lockdown for you?
Lockdown was very tough but the success of my film gave me hope during the pandemic. You’re a handsome director – ever thought of getting in front of the camera?
[Blushes] I’m flattered! There are people who are more handsome who need someone to direct them – I’m happy to be that person.
I don’t mind being in front of the camera if there’s necessity, like in a documentary.
Are you romantically attached?
I am very attached at the moment and let’s speak about mental health, too. I have an emotionally unstable personality disorder coming from traumatic childhood experiences. I can get attached very easily and have a fear of detachment.
Did you imagine, five years ago, that this is where you’d be now?
To be honest, I knew that I was going to get somewhere because I’m very determined but I never imagined being where I am today… I’m getting so emotional… Thank you for reminding me about my beautiful journey. Where’s the best place for people to find you or see your work?
Everything is social media now. I’m on Instagram if people would like to connect. I hope to have my next films get into cinemas worldwide. See You Tomorrow is currently doing the festival circuit. Its next selection is for Los Angeles Rocks Film Festival, which will hopefully be in May in Hollywood.
What would you like to tell DNA readers? Everything is possible in this life. Always remember that flying in the sky was once a dream, an idea, a vision. Never underestimate what you can do. I love you
Anything important we’ve missed?
I think I missed taking my HIV tablet while doing this interview! [Laughs].
MORE: See You Tomorrow is currently playing (online) film festivals circuits around the world. Find Zuheir Kredieh on Instagram.