DUPLICITY: Soukaina Alaoui El Hassani

Soukaina Alaoui El Hassani, producer for the film Duplicity, shares with us her thoughts and experiences while working on this film.

1. Why do you think “Duplicity” is a story that needs to be told?

Duplicity is a story about sorority, friendship, love and comedic coincidence. I believe this story is important because it's lightness amid dark times. It's a film to enjoy during such uncertain times and it's a much needed escape from a reality heavy reality we're all living in. It also explores the relationship between two sisters, who love each other and who aren't pitted against each other. Instead,  the narrative bands them together and they work alongside each other with trust and loyalty which is not, unfortunately, something that you see with two leading female characters very often. I think it's important to show these dynamics because it teaches women that other women aren't competitors but potential sisters. It reinforces the idea of sorority. This is important because movies in Hollywood are obsessed with portraying long lasting fraternity but when it comes to women, they pit them against each other. 

2. What were the challenges that you faced when creating this project?

So, there will always be challenges on set. whether its equipment malfunctions, transportation or transportation etc... I think the biggest challenge that we had to deal with in this shoot is painting the pictures in our head into reality with such a tight budget, a small crew and a small space. Funny enough, we put all of our heads together and manage to figure things out in the most creative ways possible. Teamwork truly makes the dream work. The important facet of dealing with a challenge is how you face it. When a challenge presents itself, do you cower, do you spiral or do you think on your feet and find the necessary solution. 

3. What was your favorite moment during the entire process of creating this project?

The collaboration. The team playing. The sheer 110% dedication of every member of that team. It was a small crew with the strength of hundreds. I think I was most surprised by how much we got done in such a small space. We were on top of each other, climbing up fridges, using whatever was at our disposal to make the dreams in our heads happen! Seeing how dedicated everyone was was just so invigorating! The post shoot day bonding was wonderful as well! 

4. What are the different things that you learned after having done this project?

That you don't need a huge crew to make a beautiful story come to life. 

5. What’s your favorite line/scene from the script and why?

My favorite scene from the script was probably the supermarket scene. Just the way all of that unfolded reminded me so much of Pride and Prejudice and it was just something I couldn't get out of my head. The way she digresses with the story and then the way there's an emphasis on physical touch and how charged that moment was. I really loved that! I also loved the gimmicky nature of the interrogation scene. Or even the planning of Sandra! I think the actors were so great in their roles that I feel like I fell in love with the whole performance. 

6. Is there any other project that you are currently working on or would like to work on in the future?

Yes! I am currently producing another film called Fix. I am also working on a documentary about women who have children out of wedlock in Morocco and the socio political implications of that. I am also working on my own screenplay that I will be producing this summer on generational trauma and motherhood.