Badlé and Saint Levant Celebrate Arab Resilience and Creativity
Photo by Anis Belarbi
BADLÉ STORIES: Beyond Exile by Saint Levant is a cinematic journey that explores Arab identity and resilience through art. In collaboration with BADLÉ, a Cultural Strategy & Creative Studio, Saint Levant launches this inaugural edition of an ongoing series that highlights Arab cultural narratives through the creative industries.
The series builds on Saint Levant’s music video EXILE, directed by Algerian filmmaker Lyna Zerrouki. The video conveys feelings of longing and isolation, set against a blue backdrop, with Moroccan-Italian model Malika El Maslouhi symbolizing home and love. Beyond Exile extends this narrative by spotlighting the Arab creatives who shaped the video’s story, exploring their personal experiences of exile and identity. This adds depth to the music video, transforming it into a cultural moment.
Beyond Exile celebrates community by delving into the themes of family, belonging, and the resilience of the Arab diaspora. Each episode features key figures like Malika El Maslouhi and Lyna Zerrouki, who share insights into the collaborative process behind the project. The series reveals untold stories of displacement and highlights the strength of Arab communities worldwide.
In addition to the episodes, the series includes a behind-the-scenes video—Manifesting Saint Levant—captured by Rahim Rabia, providing an intimate look into the artist’s creative journey. Algerian photographer Anis Belarbi’s photography further enhances the series, capturing the intricate moments behind the scenes.
Ultimately, BADLÉ STORIES: Beyond Exile by Saint Levant is a celebration of Arab creativity and resilience. By exploring exile and identity, the series amplifies EXILE into a cultural milestone, leaving a lasting impact on audiences around the world.
The episodes will go live daily on Badlé’s YouTube channel.
