Controversial Dox

Mystic Mass

Karim B Haroun
Screening time  
28.02. / Saturday, 22:00 - 00:00 Theatre 5  
Fascinating documentary describing in great detail the day-long ritual of thousands of Shia Muslims who meet annually to celebrate the anniversary of their leader’s martyr’s death.

Every year, thousands of Shia Muslims meet in the village of Nabatiyyeh in Lebanon to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, assassinated in 680 A.D. It is by far the most important religious event in the Shia cult, and leads to the formation of immense mass movements all around the world. Mystic Mass describes extensively this 24h ceremony, and deconstructs its indivisible, ever united, mystic mass, since its formation early in the morning of Ashoura, up to its dissolution in the afternoon of the same day. Built around scenes of bloodied crowds masterfully filmed from multiple angles, and almost comical attention to detail, this film stands apart from classic ethnographic films.

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Karim B Haroun

Karim B Haroun is a Montreal-based Lebanese director. Filmography (director and producer): Mystic Mass (2014), La Génération Porn (2014), Marble Labyrinth (2013), Récits d'Hyperinflation (2012), June (2011).

General sponsor

Masse-Mystique

Canada, Lebanon
2014, 70', DCP

Directed by:
Karim B Haroun

Cinematography:
Marina Klimoff, Santiago Menghini, Audrey-Ann Dupuis Pierre, Julien Cadieux, Emilie Serri, Karim B Haroun, Pascal Plante

Edited by:
Emilie Serri, Karim B Haroun

Producers:
Karim B Haroun, Marina Klimoff

Produced by:
Nemesis Films

Festivals & Awards:

Vision du Réel 2014; RIDM – Montreal International Documentary Festival 2014