By: Yomna Walid&nbsp;
The Cairo International Film Festival has announced that &ldquo;Souraya Mon Amour,&rdquo; directed by Lebanese filmmaker Nicolas Khoury, has won the Best Documentary Award at the closing ceremony of its 46th edition. The film offers a close portrait of multidisciplinary artist Souraya Baghdadi, tracing her deep and complex relationship with the late filmmaker Maroun Baghdadi and unfolding a story of love, loss, and resilience that spans decades.
NileFM spoke with Nicolas Khoury to explore the story behind the documentary and the creative process that shaped it, looking at how he blended archival footage, personal memory, and narrative detail to craft a cinematic work that continues to resonate with audiences
<a href="https://ibb.co/5WD1tyMh"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/vx5cgGw4/Screenshot-2025-11-26-at-9-19-49-PM.png" alt="Screenshot-2025-11-26-at-9-19-49-PM" border="0" /></a> What first inspired you to tell Souraya Baghdadi&rsquo;s story, and why now? The first time I met Souraya in Beirut was after Maroun&rsquo;s death. I was immediately drawn to her voice, and over time, we began talking. She gradually revealed the story behind the film, opening the door to a deeply personal narrative that inspired me to start working on the project four years ago. Revisiting this story now, decades after Maroun&rsquo;s passing, felt like the right moment to reconnect with human stories amidst the chaos surrounding Lebanon. From the beginning, the story carried multiple emotional layers, love, loss, and reflection, which led me to approach the film in a unique way, hoping the audience would connect with its emotional depth.
<a href="https://ibb.co/TqwMRNK0"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/VpLYDkHC/1.png" alt="1" border="0" /></a> Working with Souraya as both the subject and collaborator must have been unique. How did this shape the storytelling? Souraya is the heart of the film. I am barely present on screen, but she entrusted me with her story. This trust allowed her to guide the narrative, shaping the emotional core of the documentary. Our conversations and shared moments created the intimacy that allows viewers to feel as though they are part of her journey.
 The archival footage, especially from Little Wars, carries immense emotional weight. How did you select and integrate these archives? Little Wars was a key part of the archival material. There was a wealth of personal footage of Souraya and Maroun, and it could have been overwhelming. I focused on the core story I wanted to tell, carefully selecting moments that revealed the truth of their relationship and highlighted the emotional journey at the center of the film.
 The film explores love, loss, and memory with a poetic visual style. What guided your aesthetic choices? The film is structured like memory rather than chronological events. Editing was essential in blending archive footage with present-day visuals to create a philosophical and emotional resonance. The guiding principle was the relationship between director and subject, letting the story unfold naturally while respecting Souraya&rsquo;s perspective.
<a href="https://ibb.co/cK8CGRgG"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/TD0bVJvV/2.png" alt="2" border="0" /></a> How did you visually capture Souraya&rsquo;s inner world and its connection to grief? Through meditation and deep conversations with Souraya, we revisited her memories and the past. This approach allowed us to explore her experience of love and loss authentically, letting the visuals reflect emotional depth without overwhelming the story.
 What were the biggest challenges, emotional, artistic, or technical? Building trust with Souraya was critical. Technically, integrating archival footage, visuals, and memories into a cohesive narrative was challenging. The goal was to reveal her story authentically while crafting a compelling and emotionally resonant film.
 Winning Best Documentary at the Cairo International Film Festival must have been exciting. How did it feel? It was an incredible honor. The screening was a moving experience, and the audience&rsquo;s reaction made it even more meaningful. Winning the award was a surprise and recognition of the team&rsquo;s hard work. It also positions the film to reach a wider audience, which is extremely exciting.
<a href="https://ibb.co/RGHsB0PN"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/kVcw980J/3.png" alt="3" border="0" /></a> Maroun Baghdadi is a towering figure in Arab cinema. How did you balance honoring his legacy while centering Souraya&rsquo;s perspective? Maroun&rsquo;s legacy is important, and I wanted to respect it while telling Souraya&rsquo;s story. The film focuses on her eyes and experiences, offering a new perspective on Maroun without diminishing his contributions. Maintaining respect for his life and work was essential while exploring his personal story through Souraya&rsquo;s perspective.
 After completing such a demanding project, what&rsquo;s next for you? I&rsquo;m taking a break after this intense project. I carefully select stories that move me and focus on personal narratives. I&rsquo;m giving myself time to reflect before starting the next film.
 If you had to describe the film in one word, what would it be? Passion or love.
<a href="https://ibb.co/B0QMtYB"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/fjyw2TH/sma-bh13.jpg" alt="sma-bh13" border="0" /></a> Photo Credit: CIFF&rsquo;s official page
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