"Yusef's Song" is a feature documentary film on post-revolution Libya, and how people -mainly the youth- experience this country's transition.
The film’s main character is Yusef, a 25 year old man who lives in Benghazi and took part in the revolution. Yusef, aka Mc Swat, as he is widely known there, happens to be Libya’s most famous rapper - in fact, he is famous in all Arabian countries. He was recently invited to an international festival in Brazil as representative of Arabian hip hop. He is the one who wrote the revolution’s songs.
Still, Yusef is also a typical example of a young person of his time. A modern man, yet a faithful Muslim - not a religious zealot but rather an Islamic tradition keeper in everyday life. And through his eyes we try to unfold his and other young Libyans’ vision for their country after Gaddafi. The camera follows him everywhere and records him talking about his life and discussing with people on everyday matters, social issues, and politics.
Yusef’s presence is accompanied by his music, an excellent piece of Arabian rap which adds beat and vigor to our story. The film also includes interviews and talks with several other people, typical parts of the Libyan society; former guerrillas, simple workers, businessmen, politicians, political prisoners, journalists, artists, on issues the story's main character raises. Filming took place in Misrata, Tripoli and Benghazi.
The film’s main character is Yusef, a 25 year old man who lives in Benghazi and took part in the revolution. Yusef, aka Mc Swat, as he is widely known there, happens to be Libya’s most famous rapper - in fact, he is famous in all Arabian countries. He was recently invited to an international festival in Brazil as representative of Arabian hip hop. He is the one who wrote the revolution’s songs.
Still, Yusef is also a typical example of a young person of his time. A modern man, yet a faithful Muslim - not a religious zealot but rather an Islamic tradition keeper in everyday life. And through his eyes we try to unfold his and other young Libyans’ vision for their country after Gaddafi. The camera follows him everywhere and records him talking about his life and discussing with people on everyday matters, social issues, and politics.
Yusef’s presence is accompanied by his music, an excellent piece of Arabian rap which adds beat and vigor to our story. The film also includes interviews and talks with several other people, typical parts of the Libyan society; former guerrillas, simple workers, businessmen, politicians, political prisoners, journalists, artists, on issues the story's main character raises. Filming took place in Misrata, Tripoli and Benghazi.