Born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, photographer and filmmaker Luana Bassil (@luanabassil) spent her childhood immersed in the world of cinema, developing a keen eye for visual storytelling from a young age. Her journey into photography began with capturing analogue images of her surroundings, a passion that has now blossomed into a thriving career.
Currently residing in Brussels, Belgium, Luana continues to pursue her artistic endeavors, drawing profound inspiration from her homeland's natural beauty. Her work serves as a poignant escape from the political and personal challenges she faces, as she seeks solace in the true riches of Lebanon-its sea and mountains. Through her evocative photographs, Luana subtly distances herself from the complexities of Lebanese politics, guiding viewers toward the serene and authentic elements of nature and the human form.
She recently took a bit of time to speak to me.
FFU: Firstly Luana, thanks so much for catching up. Let's get into it! Why photography? How did you get your start?
LB: From a young age, I started discovering films and filmmakers, falling in love with the magic of moving images. That's why I chose to study filmmaking. My dad gave me my first camera when I was young. From then on, I couldn't stop capturing moments, especially of my entourage, friends, and family. Photography and filmmaking became my escape from the complexities of Lebanese politics and the reality I grew up in, allowing me to immerse myself in the worlds I create.
FFU: You are one of 14 winning photographers in our exhibition Photography: the Universal Language. What made you apply?
LB: Initially, it was my curator in Beirut, Lynn Modallal, who encouraged me to seize this opportunity. I was particularly intrigued by the focus on women from the MENA region; it was refreshing to see an open call centered around this theme. Additionally, I was eager to be part of this moment and contribute my work alongside other talented artists.
FFU: And I'm so gratefuly you submitted your photography! We're so sincerely happy to exhibit your work. Tell us about your winning image.
LB: It's a photo of my younger sister, taken in the Cedars in Lebanon-a person and place I hold dear. When I'm in Lebanon, I spend most of my time by the sea or in the mountains. Last summer, while sitting with my family in the Cedars, I noticed a dense fog approaching. It looked so beautiful. I asked my sister to take a walk with me as I wanted to capture this magical interplay of mountain and fog. She brought along a blanket in case it got too cold. As she walked, I witnessed a scene that resembled a frame from a movie, and I captured that moment.
FFU: Precisely, it's so cinematic. How do you communicate via your imagery? What stories do you tell through your photography? Can you discuss the role that photography plays in storytelling, whether it's personal narratives or broader social issues?
LB: A few years ago, I embarked on a project in Lebanon where I aimed to explore the female body in all its forms. Growing up in a country where this topic is highly taboo, I sought to break free from societal constraints and reclaim our bodies through my photography. Since then, my determination to dive deeper into this subject matter and explore its different dimensions has been fueled by the constant obstacles and challenges that both I and my subjects face, even today, when exploring themes such as sexuality, nudity, and individuality.
© Luana Bassil
FFU: What equipment do you typically use, and why do you prefer it for your work?
LB: I mainly use film. I have a strong affection for analog photography. I'm drawn to this medium because of its unique aesthetic and grain, reminiscent of the photos I cherished from my childhood and those passed down from my parents and grandparents. There's a sense of nostalgia attached to it. Moreover, I appreciate the contemplative process that precedes each shot. Nowadays, with Instagram's constant stream of images, it's easy to get caught up in the rush. It's got me thinking about how I want to approach photography.
FFU: How would you describe your photographic style or approach? Are there any particular influences that have shaped your style?
LB: I love creating worlds that are both authentic and poetic. My inspiration stems largely from movies, whether it's through fantasy movies like 'Lord of The Rings' or the painterly quality of an Antonioni film. I also draw influence from the people and places that surround me.
FFU: What projects or goals do you have on the horizon? What can we expect to see from you in the future?
LB: I'm excited to announce my upcoming solo exhibition at the end of the year.
