Quantcast
Channel: J. Walter Thompson Blog » #MyGibranGoodDeed
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 2

“Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet”: A Q&A with J. Walter Thompson Beirut ECD Nicolas Geahchan

0
0

Earlier this month, J. Walter Thompson Beirut announced its partnership with Fathallah Films in Lebanon for the red carpet premiere and MENA launch of Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet, a new film based on Lebanese artist Kahlil Gibran’s book of more than 20 prose poetry essays.

We sat down with Nicolas Geahchan, Executive Creative Director at J. Walter Thompson Beirut, for more insight on the office’s partnership with Fathallah Films and what it’s like to work on the cinematic launch of Gibran’s most popular piece.

Kahlil Gibran The Prophet-3D poster-in cinemas-30 March 2015

Q: For those who may not be familiar with the book, tell us what Khalil Gibran’s The Prophet is about.

The Prophet is a philosophical poetry book that reflects the author’s point of view through the eyes of Almustafa, the main protagonist. Gibran tackles almost all the issues in life people constantly question. The book is divided into 28 chapters and each chapter, with the exception of the first and the last, focuses on one specific topic. Topics are treated as an answer to a question someone from Orphalese (the imaginary island where the book is set) poses Almustafa. It is a beautiful book that has inspired millions of people around the world.

Q: Tell us about why the team decided to connect the launch of the film with a social responsibility activation via the #MyGibranGoodDeed hashtag.

The fifth chapter of the book treats the topic of giving and it features the quote: “It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” It inspired our activation for the launch. We wanted to truly capture the spirit of Gibran’s masterpiece, and opted for a sign of the modern digital era, the hashtag. This is because we believe that no matter how times change and societies evolve, there is a constant that will always remain, true life values. These are eternal and no matter where we are in life, or in the world, they are timelessly relevant. We were happy to see that the audiences’ responses, their individual good deeds, acts of caring and kindness, far exceeded what anyone could have expected.

Q: Has the #MyGibranGoodDeed hashtag inspired any members of the team or other members of J. Walter Thompson Beirut to pursue their own humanitarian acts of kindness?

We always try to show the humane aspect first and foremost, in our work. And we work on multiple pro bono campaigns each year. Now we couldn’t do this successfully as a company if it wasn’t already the same for our own community of people. Most of us have been pursuing our own acts of human kindness long before the campaign began. And we will always do so, long after the campaign is over. So we wanted the campaign to be an inspiration for everyone to show their goodness, and bring their caring side into the spotlight.

Q: The Prophet was published in 1923 and has since been translated into 40 languages and has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide. What do you think it is about this book that has made it so popular amongst the Lebanese today? What is it about the book that has resonated with people around the world?

The popularity of the book goes beyond the borders of Lebanon or the nationality of the Lebanese. It encapsulates a universal theme that is valid for every human being irrespective of geography. In our modern times, development and progress seem to have removed us somewhat from the critical values of humanity and kindness. These are, at times, leading to what some would call the degradation of society. The movie’s adaptation could not have come at a more opportune moment. It is a small reminder of the things that are essential in our human nature, and in our dealings with one another.

Q: When Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet premieres at the Beirut Souks’ Cinemacity on Monday, April 27, it will mark the first time Lebanon has hosted the world premiere of any film. Do you think this premiere might be a turning point for Lebanon as a film hub for the Middle East?

Having the world premiere in Lebanon is a great sign of gratitude to the spirit of Kahlil Gibran. He is without a shadow of a doubt one of the most prominent Lebanese in the history of the country. He raised the name of Lebanon high, all over the world, with his writings. Today he’s doing it again with the launch of the movie adaptation of The Prophet.  Lebanon has always been a hub for the cinematography culture in the region. We hope that this world premiere will be the first in a long series of cultural occasions that will shed light on Lebanon’s love of film and the arts in general.

— Read more about J. Walter Thompson Beirut and Fathallah Films’s partnership for the upcoming premiere and MENA launch of Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet here.

 


Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 2

Latest Images

Trending Articles





Latest Images