Alaa Abusaman
Hasan Mashaharawi
Ajlan Thabet
Hamed Mousa
“My Heart Bears Jerusalem” قلبي يحمل القدس is an epic music video production for the renowned singer Ibrahim Dardasawi. The song is a moving tribute to the love for Jerusalem and the unyielding strength to resist occupation and oppression. Filmed in the historic city of Mardin, Turkey, whose architecture closely mirrors the neighborhoods and streets of Jerusalem, the video encapsulates the spirit of resilience that has long defined the city and its people.
The story at the heart of “My Heart Bears Jerusalem” centers around a young man from Jerusalem who lived through the tragic events of the first Al-Aqsa Mosque massacre in 1990. As a child, he tries to join in defending the mosque, only to be arrested by occupying forces. Separated from his parents and his beloved city, he spends years in prison, pouring out his memories and longing into the prison walls, where he draws images of victory and liberation, holding onto the hope that Jerusalem will be freed soon.
Mardin, Turkey
To authentically capture the essence of Jerusalem, the production team selected Mardin, Turkey, as the filming location. With its ancient stone buildings and narrow streets that closely resemble those of Jerusalem, Mardin provided the ideal setting for the music video. The city’s historic neighborhoods allowed the video to evoke the atmosphere of Jerusalem while sidestepping the complexities of filming in a politically sensitive area.
Their peaceful life is shattered when soldiers storm the shop, destroying everything as an act of aggression. The young man tries to defend Jerusalem but is arrested at a checkpoint. In prison, the compass becomes his lifeline, reminding him of his bond with Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. He channels his emotions into art, covering the prison walls with memories and dreams of freedom. Despite the despair, he holds onto hope, painting a mural of a future where the people of Jerusalem break free and march triumphantly toward the city’s gates, believing that one day this vision will become reality.
To authentically capture the essence of Jerusalem, the production team selected Mardin, Turkey, as the filming location. With its ancient stone buildings and narrow streets that closely resemble those of Jerusalem, Mardin provided the ideal setting for the music video. The city’s historic neighborhoods allowed the video to evoke the atmosphere of Jerusalem while sidestepping the complexities of filming in a politically sensitive area.
Their peaceful life is shattered when soldiers storm the shop, destroying everything as an act of aggression. The young man tries to defend Jerusalem but is arrested at a checkpoint. In prison, the compass becomes his lifeline, reminding him of his bond with Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. He channels his emotions into art, covering the prison walls with memories and dreams of freedom. Despite the despair, he holds onto hope, painting a mural of a future where the people of Jerusalem break free and march triumphantly toward the city’s gates, believing that one day this vision will become reality.
The production of “My Heart Bears Jerusalem” was driven by a commitment to authentic visual storytelling. Every scene was carefully crafted to convey the deep emotional connection between the protagonist and Jerusalem. By using Mardin’s architectural beauty to recreate iconic scenes reminiscent of Jerusalem’s Old City, the production team ensured that viewers could feel the spirit of Jerusalem through the screen.
Their peaceful life is shattered when soldiers storm the shop, destroying everything as an act of aggression. The young man tries to defend Jerusalem but is arrested at a checkpoint. In prison, the compass becomes his lifeline, reminding him of his bond with Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. He channels his emotions into art, covering the prison walls with memories and dreams of freedom. Despite the despair, he holds onto hope, painting a mural of a future where the people of Jerusalem break free and march triumphantly toward the city’s gates, believing that one day this vision will become reality.
The cinematography played a crucial role in capturing the raw emotion and historical significance of the story. Wide shots of Mardin’s ancient streets and close-ups of Ibrahim Dardasawi singing against the backdrop of sunlit stone buildings created a narrative that was both intimate and epic. Symbolic imagery, such as the compass pointing towards Jerusalem, reinforced the themes of resistance, hope, and the unyielding spirit of the city and its people.
“My Heart Bears Jerusalem” was widely acclaimed for its powerful portrayal of love, resistance, and hope. The music video resonated deeply with audiences, particularly those with a personal connection to Jerusalem. Critics praised the production for its ability to convey a complex and emotionally charged story through stunning visuals and a moving musical performance.
The video also sparked important conversations about the role of art in resistance, with many viewers expressing how the song and video captured the spirit of defiance against oppression. “My Heart Bears Jerusalem” stands as a testament to the power of music and visual storytelling to inspire and unite people in the face of adversity.
“My Heart Bears Jerusalem” is more than just a music video; it is a dramatic and emotional journey that pays tribute to the enduring spirit of Jerusalem and its people. Through the artistic collaboration between Ibrahim Dardasawi and the production team, the video successfully brings to life the pain, hope, and resilience of those who love Jerusalem. By filming in Mardin, the production not only honored the city’s historical significance but also created a visual narrative that resonates with audiences worldwide, reminding us of the enduring power of art to tell stories that transcend borders and touch the hearts of people everywhere.
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