An Article by D. M. (649 words, 3 min. read)
A Journey That Breaks Through the Screen
On April 28 at 5:30 PM at ABC Dbayeh, Behind the Filter came to life as part of the Women Film Festival, inviting viewers into a world few dare to show. Executive producer and format creator Micheline Nasrany, alongside the heartfelt introduction by esteemed journalist Rima Karaki and the sensitive direction of Karl Salame, offers not just a film, but a mirror. In an era where every detail is curated and perfected, Behind the Filter dares to show what lies beyond the polished surface: the real stories, the raw emotions, and the silent battles women face daily.
Four Stories, Infinite Reflections
Through the lives of four women—Zalfa Chelhot, Mireille Zammar, Batoul Abdallah, and Jessica Said—the film unfolds like an intimate diary of struggle, acceptance, and self-love. Each woman charts her own path through the maze of societal expectations: one embracing natural beauty, another believing in transformation, a third cautiously altering her features, and a fourth setting careful limits. These aren’t just characters; they are every woman who has ever stood in front of a mirror and questioned what the world sees.
Zalfa Chelhot: The Lightness of Being
Among these vivid portrayals, Zalfa Chelhot shines with an irresistible authenticity. Refusing any plastic surgery, she carries her natural beauty with a refreshing lightness, sprinkling the film with laughter and spontaneity. Her moments on screen remind us that joy and confidence are the truest forms of beauty. In a world chasing perfection, Zalfa’s unapologetic fun, her real, unfiltered self, feels revolutionary. She is a living proof that self-acceptance can be both powerful and playful.
Born from a Personal Quest for Answers
Behind the Filter didn’t begin as a big production. It was born from a simple, haunting question that Nasrany asked herself every day. It grew from her master’s thesis into a profound cinematic exploration, stitched together by genuine curiosity and a relentless search for truth. Her personal journey gave the film its soul: a desire to understand, rather than judge, the choices women make when faced with relentless societal and digital pressures.
Filming Trust, Not Just Faces
The filmmaking itself mirrors the intimacy of the subject. Using reality-based techniques, the team filmed with Handycam and daylight, walking alongside the women rather than framing them from afar. There were no bright lights, no staged glamour; only honesty, vulnerability, and connection. By filming in the women’s homes, Nasrany and Salame created a space where masks could fall and deeper truths could surface.
Protecting the Sacred Vulnerability
Even with written consent to use all footage, Nasrany chose restraint over sensationalism. She became the silent guardian of the women’s trust, showing only what served their dignity and the story. In doing so, Behind the Filter achieves something rare: it reveals vulnerability without exploiting it, illuminating inner battles with tenderness and profound respect.
A Guiding Voice: Rima Karaki’s Thoughtful Introduction
Rima Karaki’s presence is not just an introduction; it is a blessing on the film. Through her seasoned voice and compassionate perspective, she frames the journey viewers are about to embark upon, preparing them for the emotional weight and subtle beauty that follow. Her contribution adds a layer of wisdom that lingers throughout the experience.
An Invitation to See Beyond Appearances
Behind the Filter is not a film that hands you conclusions; it invites you to sit with questions, just as Nasrany herself does. It holds up a mirror to an “oriental society” and to a world intoxicated by appearances, asking: What do we sacrifice to fit in? What do we lose when we chase perfection? What do we gain when we dare to be ourselves?
In a sea of glossy images, Behind the Filter stands as a courageous act of honesty—a reminder that the most powerful beauty is the one that dares to be real.
