THE PROVERB SESSIONS
© Picture People/Support to Life
BATMAN AND HATAY, SOUTHEAST TURKEY
THE HATAY SESSIONS, SEPTEMBER 2015
"IF YOUR FRIEND IS HONEY, DON'T LICK HIM ALL", a film by Haji
Very simply this means: don't use and abuse your friends, or the consequences may not be to your liking!
In my film, my friend takes everthing from me, my phone, my tablet, my basketball, even my girlfriend! But when reality kicks in, he's got nothing left, not even me!
"CHOOSE YOUR NEIGHBOURS, BEFORE YOU CHOOSE YOUR HOME", a film by Brahim
We say in Syria, that it is better to live amongst good neighbours who look out for you, than it is to live in a nicer house. Looks can be deceiving! And even rich and expensive things are not as valuable as decent friends and neighbours.
In my film, me and my wife are looking for a new place, and we are taken around by Haji, the unscrupulous estate agent, who wants to make money out of us. He fails, but we end up in a good neighbourhood, even though the house is not as nice as what he showed us first!.
"ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME", a film by Ahmad
I was told that this is a universal proverb, and means different things in different places, but we say that every problem has a solution, and if we solve the problem we have a greater chance of success!
In my film, I am going for my first day at Hayata Destek Evi in Narlica, and my mother sends me off. She gives me a map, but I get lost. I ask people on the way, and I use my initiative, but luckily at the very end I bump into a Field Officer from Hayata Destek, and together we go to the Community Centre.
They are there to help! Together we can build a better life for all of us!
"PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE", a film by Qamar
Chess is the most patient of all games. If you take your time, learn, practise and become a Master, you will reap the rewards!
This is what my film shows. I win and show great respect!
"WE TAUGHT THEM HOW TO BEG, NOW THEY ARE BEATING US TO THE GATES", a film by Rend
When you give away all your secrets, and all your success, sometimes the person you gave it to, will come back to bite you! They will come back to bite you, because they have become better than you!
You have to be careful what you tell, and who you tell it to..so DON'T GIVE AWAY AVERYTHING YOU KNOW!
"YOU'VE GOT TO TAKE THE ROUGH WITH THE SMOOTH", a film by Esma
Sometimes, to succeed in something, you have to go through a little pain!
In my film, I want to win the Flower Competition, but I cut my fingers each time I pick a rose. However, I still win the competition and it doesn't matter anymore that my fingers are covered in blood!
"GIVE THE BAKER HIS BREAD, EVEN IF HE HAS EATEN HALF OF IT", a film by Gogoosh
The meaning of my proverb is that if you want something like haircut, you should go to the BEST hairdresser, not the cheapest!
Sometimes if you go to someone who offers you something for a cheaper price, you may end up with a half done job! If you go to the better and more expensive option, it can actually save you money in the long run, as you wont have to got twice!
"WHAT'S GONE IS DEAD", a film by Zeynep
There is no use dwelling on something that you can't get back! Move on!
In my film, I am watching some YouTube clips of Syria before the war, and then after the war. I become sad watching the destruction of my country. Then I go outside, and see children playing, and I feel better, because I hope and dream that there will be something better for all of us!
"STRETCH YOUR LEGS ACCORDING TO YOUR QUILT", a film by Khalid
The meaning of my proverb is simply: live within your means!
In my film, we both do the same work, and get the same money. My friend chooses to spend his money on what he needs - fruit and something to eat. He is happy and sleeps well!
However, I go out and party all night long, and when its over I go to bed, but I can't sleep very well.