Sharjah- Renowned French writer and filmmaker, David Foenkinos, captivated an eager audience at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) with his tales from the world of movies. The event, titled "The Parallel Line between Cinema and Books," featured Foenkinos, known for his novels translated into over 40 languages, alongside Syrian writer and journalist, Dr. Mania Suwaid. They engaged in a lively panel discussion moderated by writer Mutaz Quteineh, delving deep into the connections between storytelling in literature and on the big screen.
Foenkinos shared insights into his creative process, explaining the contrast between writing a novel and crafting a movie script. He expressed that when he writes a novel, he becomes immersed in the characters, while for a movie, the focus is on maintaining the narrative's momentum. He emphasized that literature relies on language, imagery, and the reader's imagination, while cinema uses visuals, sound, editing, and performances to convey stories in a cinematic experience.
Foenkinos, who has authored 19 books and directed five films over his two-decade career, also discussed the relationship between books and movies. He highlighted how the movie industry often seeks inspiration from literature, citing the example of legendary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick, who adapted many lesser-known books into iconic films. He further explained that adapting famous books can be challenging due to inevitable comparisons with the original works.
In a fascinating twist, Foenkinos recommended adapting the works of deceased authors and lesser-known books, as it provides more creative freedom for filmmakers. He specifically mentioned his own experience adapting his best-selling French novel, "La délicatesse" (Delicacy), into a film starring Audrey Tautou. The author shared that readers often visualize books in their own unique way, making it a complex task to replicate their personal interpretations on the big screen.
Dr. Mania Suwaid, a prolific writer and journalist, added her perspective, emphasizing the intimacy of books. She believed that books establish a direct connection with the author and provide a personal experience. Suwaid pointed out that, while some films enhance the reading experience, books remain a more individual and intimate form of art.
The discussion also touched on the enduring appeal of adaptations, with Dr. Suwaid expressing her fondness for Victor Hugo's "Les Misérables," a classic French novel that has been adapted into various forms of entertainment over the years. The panel concluded that the ultimate judgment of the success of adaptations lies with the audience or readers, as they decide which medium resonates with them most.