Reflections: Mohandis Ghanam

Marvet Naser, social media influencer, television host and actress, believes there’s no limit to creativity. Her latest film Mohandis Ghanam, made during the COVID-19 pandemic, was screened at the Bahrain Film Festival earlier this year.

Marvet’s infectious enthusiasm for life affects one and all, and the self-appointed ‘Ambassador of Happiness’ is passionate about spreading her message of staying positive.

A woman of many hats – a mother, besides performing diverse and captivating roles for the screen as well as stage – she believes in going the extra mile to ensure quality of work. Her determination to give her best to everything she does has endeared her to a wide audience.

Soon after the outbreak of the pandemic, Marvet felt a moral obligation and took it upon herself to spread her message to stay positive and motivate others through her professional work as well as social media, including Instagram and Snapchat.

Caught unawares

She called for caution and for every member of the community to play their role – maintain social distancing and observe all precautionary measures in order to stay safe and ensure the safety of near and dear ones.

Like many others in the entertainment industry the world over, Marvet’s work was disrupted following the outbreak of the pandemic. Caught completely unprepared, the pandemic left most in the industry without work as film and TV productions came to a grinding halt.

Overcoming innumerable challenges posed by the need to observe preventive protocol during the pandemic, Marvet worked with a determined film crew to make Mohandis Ghanam (Engineer Ghanem) which was shortlisted for the Bahrain Film Festival in April. “We had a detailed filming plan with excellent management. I was very pleased with that,” Marvet said recalling the film’s making.

Search for hope

“The film is especially important for me because it represents a large Arab segment and the search for hope. I play the role of the protagonist’s mother who is inspired by her vision for his future,” Marvet said about Mohandis Ghanam and her role in it.

“I never hesitate to work on projects which represent young people. And in the current circumstances, it is important to depict the on-going pandemic. This is an important film because it shows the suffering of people during the pandemic.”

Based on a story by director Imad al Habsi, the script is by Omar al Kiyumi who is cast as the title character. The cast includes Saud al Khanjari, Mohamed al Balushi, Asim al Balushi, Shihad al Battashi and Piya Pawani, besides Marvet.

Motivating memories

“The story focuses on the life of Mabrouk and his father. His mother died when he was still a child so there were numerous challenges he had to face growing up. But memories of his mother inspired and motivated him in his life journey.”

Scenes of the film in which the protagonist remembers his mother singing the evergreen songs of Mohammed Abdu are particular special to Marvet. “Determined to become an engineer to fulfil his mother’s dream, these memories gave him strength to strive hard to accomplish his goals.”

Employing drama and pathos, the storyline has elements of suspense and powerful emotions to keep audiences glued till the end.

(Contributed by Rabi’ah M)