I Don't Know.

Story & Theme

I Don’t Know is a short film that follows the internal and external journey of a poor laborer who has lived his entire life in hardship and obscurity. Fueled by rebellion and a desire to reclaim his agency, he confronts the very system that has oppressed him — personified by the factory manager, his antagonist.

As the story unfolds, the protagonist enters a space he never dreamed of setting foot in: the manager’s office. This physical journey mirrors a symbolic one, where he encounters elements that challenge his understanding of life, death, fate, and the stark divide between the rich and the poor.

Blending elements of drama, action, mystery, and sci-fi, the 11-minute narrative explores a surreal revenge-driven mission — an adventure that’s as psychological as it is visual.

The core idea behind the film is to offer a surreal perspective on life through the eyes of someone living in poverty. It questions the illusion of free will and reflects on how societal systems and historical patterns often shape our paths more than personal choice. Through symbolism and genre fusion, I Don’t Know seeks to provoke thought about power, control, and the unseen forces that govern our lives.

Director’s vision

As a director, I believe every story deserves a distinctive voice — one that reflects not only the script, but also a deeper human truth. After numerous discussions with the screenwriter and thoughtful enhancements to the script, I felt it was essential to present this story through a visual language that resonates emotionally and symbolically.

The concept behind I Don’t Know draws on the universal and historical struggles of the underprivileged — those whose lives are shaped more by circumstance than by choice. From the origins of humanity to our modern era, the disparity between rich and poor has been a constant. While not aiming to be overtly pessimistic, this film confronts that reality with honesty.

Visually, the film is structured through a deliberate contrast in space and time. I divided the world into two realms: one of poverty, and another of power and privilege. This division is expressed through color palettes, location design, and lighting — each carefully chosen to evoke the emotional weight of the environment. The journey of the protagonist is not linear, but symbolic, traversing moments of surreal discovery through layered metaphors and imagery.

To immerse the viewer in the laborer’s psyche, I used extreme close-ups to capture the doubt, fear, and hesitation etched into his face — especially as he stands on the threshold of his destiny, facing the door of his superior’s office. The backward camera movements emphasize his isolation, while the film’s climax — a moment of illusion and confrontation — signifies a turning point in his perceived reality.

Music also plays a vital role. It’s not only a backdrop, but a guide — shaping the viewer’s emotional experience and allowing them to not just witness, but feel the laborer’s internal world.

From the perspective of the factory manager, the contrast is stark. His character embodies authority, wealth, and detachment. Visual metaphors — such as a blood-marked Statue of Liberty facing away — subtly challenge the notions of freedom, dominance, and societal servitude.

Through this film, my goal is to raise awareness — to encourage empathy, self-reflection, and social responsibility. We often overlook the suffering of others, yet even the smallest act of kindness can spark meaningful change. This story is my attempt to invite viewers into a conversation about humanity, perspective, and the value of compassion.

Firas Sameer