
Chanting the dunes
Chanting of the Dunes has won over 40 awards and nominations. The film is about Wahbi Al-Hariri-Rifai who was an accomplished international artist, architect, archeologist, and author. The storyline takes viewers on a dazzling journey through multiple countries and during momentous world events that extend from the Levant in the 1920s to the U.S. and China in the 1990s.
Chanting of the Dunes recounts Wahbi’s life through the mixed perspective of his wife, Widad Marachi, who married him at the age of 15. The fascinating storyline is full of unexpected turns and is accompanied by a superb award-winning soundtrack.
The film is beautifully illustrated through hundreds of meticulously restored black/white and color archival photographs and original footage.
According to festival managers, the film exceeds all expectations and represents a new artistic genre. Many have called it “extraordinary, moving, mesmerizing, full of messages...”
Country of Origin: United States
MOKHLESS AL-HARIRI, Director
Chanting of the Dunes recounts Wahbi’s life through the mixed perspective of his wife, Widad Marachi, who married him at the age of 15. The fascinating storyline is full of unexpected turns and is accompanied by a superb award-winning soundtrack.
The film is beautifully illustrated through hundreds of meticulously restored black/white and color archival photographs and original footage.
According to festival managers, the film exceeds all expectations and represents a new artistic genre. Many have called it “extraordinary, moving, mesmerizing, full of messages...”
Country of Origin: United States
MOKHLESS AL-HARIRI, Director

Born in Aleppo, Syria, Mokhless Al-Hariri grew up in Paris, France, and lives in the U.S.
He is recognized as an award-winning film director, producer, architect, author, visual artist, and photographer. He is known for pushing creative boundaries and his work reflects a commitment to cultural diversity and artistic innovation.
In addition to his 2024 award-winning feature film, Chanting of the Dunes, he also wrote and directed several short documentaries and promo films.
He is recognized as an award-winning film director, producer, architect, author, visual artist, and photographer. He is known for pushing creative boundaries and his work reflects a commitment to cultural diversity and artistic innovation.
In addition to his 2024 award-winning feature film, Chanting of the Dunes, he also wrote and directed several short documentaries and promo films.