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Clarification: In this article, we’ve chosen to present the content in a conversational format, simulating an interview with director Mohamed Beriky. This creative approach is intended to bring his insights and vision behind "Deceiving World" to life in an engaging and interactive way, while also serving as an educational tool for those interested in exploring the creative process and AI-driven production techniques behind the scenes of "Deceiving World".
Behind Deceiving World | Part 3: Unveiling the Creative Vision
Host: In the first part of our interview, we explored the songwriting and narrative themes behind Deceiving World. In Part 2, director Mohamed Beriky shared invaluable insights into the production process, explaining how AI tools were utilized to bring the music video to life. If you missed those discussions, you can catch up here: Part 1 | Part 2.
Now, in this third and final installment, we’ll dive into the cinematic vision of director Mohamed Beriky that made "Deceiving World" a visually captivating masterpiece. Mohamed will walk us through his directing and editing choices, revealing how he transformed his groundbreaking AI-driven project into a work that feels distinctly cinematic.
Host: Mohamed, let’s talk about your directing approach to depict Deceiving World. What approach did you take in crafting this visual narrative?
Mohamed Beriky: My directing approach for "Deceiving World" is rooted in three main pillars: contrast, realism, and symbolism. These elements guided every aspect of the video, from the selection of locations and the characters' movements to shot composition, camera angles, lighting, visual effects, color grading, and montage techniques—whether Dialectical or Intellectual Montage. Even the 'grammar' of the songwriting influenced the visual storytelling, as we discussed in our earlier interviews. Each element was carefully crafted to enhance the narrative and ensure the themes resonated with the audience on both a visual and emotional level.
Host: Sounds great. How did contrast play a vital role in Deceiving World?
Mohamed Beriky: Contrast was fundamental in establishing the dynamic between the hero and the villain right from the beginning. For instance, the video opens with a split-screen showcasing the two characters in adjacent shots:
The hero strides confidently forward at a bus station, framed between two parked buses—or just beginning to move—symbolizing determination, action, and engagement with the world.
In contrast, the villain stands motionless atop a skyscraper, surrounded by the cold rigidity of glass buildings, symbolizing detachment, observation, and passivity.
This stark contrast not only highlights their opposing psychological states but also sets the tone for the entire narrative. It visually and thematically underscores the conflict between action and inaction, engagement and indifference, and, ultimately, the hero’s drive to confront deception versus the villain’s complicity through his silence.
Host: What message were you trying to convey to the audience with your choice of opening locations for the hero and the villain—the bus station and the top of a skyscraper?
Mohamed Beriky: The opening locations were chosen for their symbolic depth. The bus station, where the hero begins, represents movement, action, and connection to everyday life. It’s a relatable and dynamic setting that reflects the hero’s determination and willingness to engage with the real world.
In contrast, the top of the skyscraper, where the villain stands, symbolizes detachment and observation. It’s a cold, isolated space that mirrors his passivity and indifference. From this elevated vantage point, the villain observes everything below but chooses to remain silent, despite being fully aware of deception and injustice.
This distinction is crucial—the "villain" in Deceiving World is not meant to represent every silent person. Some people remain silent because of ignorance or a lack of information. However, the villain here is someone who deliberately chooses inaction despite his awareness. His silence is a conscious decision, highlighting a deeper culpability rooted in his unwillingness to confront or challenge the injustices he witnesses.
Additionally, as the narrative progresses, the skyscraper gains even more significance. It’s revealed as part of the villain’s escape plan, as he uses a parachute to flee the consequences of his inaction. This reinforces his calculated nature, showing that even his silence is accompanied by preparations to evade accountability.
Similarly, the bus station becomes increasingly symbolic as the story unfolds. The audience realizes that the hero remains in the same location throughout the entire journey, starting and ending at the bus station. This conveys a profound message: true change doesn’t require a change of location but rather a transformation of mindset, perspective, and inner conviction.
Finally, there’s a scene featuring a supporting character on a public bus, singing the hero’s song. This symbolizes the universality of the hero’s message—it’s not confined to one individual but is shared and carried forward by ordinary people in everyday settings. The choice of the bus station as a location is particularly clever, as it serves as the source where passersby hear the hero singing before they board their buses. The supporting character’s singing on the bus signifies a response to the hero’s call, emphasizing that the journey toward truth is inclusive, accessible, and capable of resonating with everyone.
Host: That’s brilliant. In the lyrics "in the mirror, who..." we see the villain gazing at his reflection in the rigid, reflective glass in front of him, which aligns with the lyrics. However, we don’t see an actual mirror for the hero—am I correct?
Mohamed Beriky: Yes, that’s correct, but the hero has his mirror too.
Host: How?
Mohamed Beriky: For the villain, the rigid, reflective glass serves as a literal mirror, showing only his face and emphasizing his self-absorption. He sees nothing beyond his reflection, symbolizing his detachment and blindness to the world around him.
In contrast, the hero’s mirror is symbolic—a transparent slide-line effect passing before his face (added in post-production). This symbolizes clarity and his ability to see beyond himself, connecting with reality. Unlike the villain, who is trapped in his self-centered perspective, the hero’s view extends outward, reflecting awareness and a readiness to confront deception. This contrast between literal and metaphorical mirrors highlights the fundamental differences in their roles and mindsets.
Host: That’s incredible, but the important question is: how did you ensure that these symbols and hidden messages would be understood and resonate with diverse audiences?
Mohamed Beriky: Art is powerful because it invites interpretation, and not everyone will understand every symbol or message—that’s the beauty of it. My approach was to embed multiple layers of meaning in each scene, offering depth for those who seek it while ensuring that the surface-level narrative remains clear and accessible.
There’s no guarantee that the implicit messages in a work of art will resonate with everyone, and this is what makes true art unique. It allows each viewer to perceive and interpret it in their own way. For me, the challenge as a filmmaker is to enrich the narrative by layering these meanings, symbols, and messages while staying true to my vision.
At the same time, it’s crucial to make sure the core story—whether visual or verbal—remains understandable to the audience, even without delving into the deeper layers. This balance ensures inclusivity, appealing both to those who connect with the straightforward narrative and to those who choose to explore its more intricate symbolic undertones.
By designing each layer with care, I aimed to create a universal resonance that could engage audiences from all walks of life while still rewarding deeper exploration for those who seek it.
Host: That’s great. I’d like to highlight a few scenes from Deceiving World and hear your brief explanation of your vision behind each one.
Mohamed Beriky: Of course!
Host: In one scene, the character is smoking a cigar, and in the next, he is in a worship setting, raising his hands in prayer, aligning with the lyrics "Burdened with guilt or cleansed from sin."
Mohamed Beriky: This sequence uses contrast to highlight the duality of the character’s internal journey. In the first scene, the cigar and the dim, warm lighting create an atmosphere of indulgence, detachment, and contemplation. It reflects the character’s burden of guilt and his struggle with his actions.
In the following scene, the tone shifts dramatically. The worship setting, bathed in soft, diffused light, symbolizes introspection, humility, and the search for redemption. This visual transformation aligns with the lyrics, emphasizing the character’s moral conflict and his effort to reconcile with his conscience.
Host: In another scene, we see a tilt-up wide shot of towering skyscrapers, followed by collapsing buildings draped between two rows of world countries' flags.
Mohamed Beriky: These scenes are a visual critique of societal priorities. The skyscrapers, captured in a majestic tilt-up shot, symbolize materialism, power, and the pursuit of wealth—values that dominate modern society.
The following scene, where collapsing buildings are draped in world flags, creates a stark juxtaposition. It represents the fragility of global institutions and their failure to uphold justice and protect the vulnerable. The flags emphasize the collective responsibility of nations, but the crumbling structures reveal the devastating consequences of misplaced priorities.
Host: In one scene, we see homeless individuals dominated by stray dogs, followed by a pampered dog dining in luxury.
Mohamed Beriky: This contrast was designed to underscore glaring societal inequalities. The homeless individuals, overshadowed by stray dogs, symbolize neglect and abandonment. It’s a metaphor for how society often disregards those in need.
In contrast, the pampered dog dining in luxury highlights the misallocation of resources and compassion, favoring indulgence for the privileged while ignoring the struggles of others. It’s a stark critique of societal values and priorities.
Host: There’s also a scene of a girl’s face trapped behind a wall.
Mohamed Beriky: This scene is a haunting metaphor for silenced voices and suppressed individuality. The wall represents societal barriers and indifference, trapping the girl and preventing her from expressing herself.
Her visible yet confined face symbolizes a yearning for freedom and recognition—a silent plea to be heard and valued. It’s a powerful reminder of the marginalized voices in society, waiting for someone to break down the barriers holding them back.
Host: In another scene, we see tanks rolling through a devastated landscape.
Mohamed Beriky: The tanks symbolize the destructive forces of war—fear, violence, and dehumanization. The smoke rising from the ruins amplifies the sense of devastation, showing the catastrophic impact of conflict on communities.
This is followed by a subtle critique of societal apathy, as the next scene shows people turning away, indifferent to the destruction. This juxtaposition highlights how the horrors of war are often ignored, emphasizing the collective failure to address such atrocities.
Host: In one scene, we see people dressed in the finest elite attire in an opulent hall, while screens behind them display images of destruction and war.
Mohamed Beriky: Those are the politicians, the wealthy, and the leaders in Deceiving World. This scene serves as a critique of power structures that prioritize wealth and privilege over human dignity. The grandeur of the hall and the images on screens symbolizes the glaring disconnect between those in power and the suffering of the people they are meant to serve.
The screens displaying images of destruction and war are deliberately ignored by the politicians, highlighting their indifference and detachment. This reflects a moral failure in governance, where personal gain, privilege, and status take precedence over addressing pressing world crises. The juxtaposition between the luxurious setting and the harrowing visuals underscores the consequences of apathy and self-interest at the highest levels of power.
Host: The Silent Villain hiding under the wings of a dragon—what was the idea behind this scene?
Mohamed Beriky: This scene is rich in symbolism. The dragon represents the illusion of power and protection, while the villain hiding beneath its wings embodies the false refuge of passivity. It symbolizes individuals who remain silent despite being fully aware of injustice and deception.
The villain’s silence is not born of ignorance but is a deliberate choice, driven by fear or a desire for self-preservation. The dragon’s wings serve as a shield, illustrating how silence can be used as a defense mechanism to avoid accountability. It reflects the mindset of those who justify their inaction by convincing themselves that avoiding conflict or taking a stand will keep them safe.
However, the final scenes of the narrative challenge this notion, exposing the moral cost and inevitable consequences of such silence, ultimately emphasizing that inaction and complicity have their price that must be paid.
Host: There’s a powerful scene where a brave warrior suddenly stops, steps back, and looks at us with disgust.
Mohamed Beriky: This scene captures a pivotal moment of moral awakening. The warrior begins with determination and courage, ready to fight, but suddenly stops and steps back. This movement reflects a realization—a confrontation with the deeper truths behind the battle he was about to engage in.
His look of disgust reveals his disillusionment, rejecting the lies and manipulation that fueled his initial bravery. It symbolizes a turning point where blind courage gives way to enlightened defiance, choosing integrity over complicity.
The scene challenges the audience to question the motivations behind their actions and consider whether their battles are truly just or simply driven by deception. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to step away from what’s wrong, even when it demands questioning one’s deeply held beliefs.
Host: Let’s talk about the transformation of creatures from tigers to lions.
Mohamed Beriky: This transformation symbolizes growth and the evolution of collective awareness. Tigers, representing raw strength and individual courage, transform into lions, which embody unity, leadership, and a higher purpose.
The shift reflects the journey from fragmented, isolated efforts to a unified movement for truth and justice. It emphasizes that true change requires collaboration, shared vision, and collective strength.
Host: The massive flood scene—what does it represent?
Mohamed Beriky: The flood is one of the most symbolic moments in Deceiving World. It represents the overwhelming consequences of silence, deception, and inaction. Like water behind a dam, these forces build up over time until they become unstoppable, engulfing everything in their path.
The flood serves as a metaphor for societal complacency and moral failure, emphasizing how ignoring deception allows it to grow uncontrollably. It’s a wake-up call, urging viewers to confront truth before it’s too late.
Host: The villain falling into the flood—how did this scene tie into the story?
Mohamed Beriky: The villain’s fall into the flood serves as a symbolic reckoning. It represents the price of silence that must ultimately be paid. This moment shows that no one, not even those who consider themselves untouchable, can escape the consequences of their silence and complicity.
Despite his efforts to avoid accountability and flee from the devastating consequences of his inaction, the flood—symbolizing the cumulative weight of deception and the repercussions of passivity—inevitably catches up to him. It’s a powerful reminder that silence in the face of injustice carries a cost, and that cost is unavoidable.
Host: That’s such a unique ability to weave striking visuals with layered symbolism—it’s truly inspiring. Finally, let’s dive into the montage style and post-production. How did they enhance and contribute to the narrative of Deceiving World?
Mohamed Beriky: The montage style and post-production were essential in shaping the narrative and amplifying its emotional and symbolic impact. For Deceiving World, I used a mix of Dialectical Montage and Intellectual Montage techniques to create thought-provoking juxtapositions. By pairing seemingly unrelated images, the audience is invited to draw connections and critically engage with the underlying themes of deception, silence, and societal failure.
For example, the sequence of towering skyscrapers followed by collapsing buildings draped in world flags critiques the prioritization of wealth and materialism over justice and humanity. This deliberate contrast was designed to provoke reflection on global power dynamics.
Similarly, other scenes employ contrasts to convey powerful messages:
A girl’s face trapped behind a wall juxtaposed with a golden-masked figure seated on a throne symbolizes the silencing of marginalized voices versus the unchecked dominance of those who perpetuate deception and control.
Homeless individuals surrounded by stray dogs contrasted with a pampered dog in a luxury restaurant underscores glaring societal inequalities, questioning the allocation of care and compassion.
These contrasts, and many more throughout the video, were intentionally crafted to evoke emotional and intellectual engagement, encouraging the audience to reflect on the disparities, injustices, and imbalances within society.
In post-production, I focused heavily on precision and timing, particularly cutting with the beat, often making cuts one frame before the beat to create smooth and impactful transitions. I also utilized specialized transitions to enhance the storytelling.
For example, a fast zoom-in transition from the skyscrapers to the building between the flags of world countries symbolizes the stark contrast between raising the materialism and falling the human rights, highlighting the imbalance of global priorities.
Another transition features a fire stick effect linking the scene of the girl’s face trapped behind a wall and the scene of the golden-masked character, which represents the metaphorical fire of injustice perpetuated by these masked characters—the architects of societal deception—on the marginalized voices.
Lastly, a fast pan transition from the golden-masked character’s face to a wide shot of the city symbolizes a slap in the face of these deceivers, exposing their influence and the consequences of their lies on society at large. These transitions were meticulously designed to visually amplify the narrative’s themes and ensure a seamless flow of symbolic storytelling.
Color grading played a critical role in defining the mood and tone. For scenes featuring the villain, I used colder tones to emphasize detachment and passivity. In contrast, warmer, more natural hues in the hero’s scenes conveyed hope and connection. To achieve the desired aesthetic, I applied LUTs such as Vision Color Fuji Pro 400 (LOG), which introduced a cold blue tone that aligned with my vision of Deceiving World as a realm dominated by deceit.
Host: Could you share an example where the montage in Deceiving World created a particularly strong emotional or intellectual impact for you during the editing process?
Mohamed Beriky: Of course! One montage sequence that stood out for me during the editing process was the final sequence of Deceiving World. This intellectual montage is carefully constructed to weave together symbolic visuals, provoking introspection and emphasizing the devastating consequences of deception and silence.
The sequence begins with a coffee cup filled with milk topped with the song's cover art, Deceiving World, overlapped with a transparent scene of screaming voices. This imagery represents the comforting lies society readily accepts in their daily lives. As the scene transitions, we see a character in a café holding an empty cup while self-reflecting deeply, symbolizing the first steps toward self-awareness.
Next, we see tigers led by a determined character down a street, representing the first steps toward collective awareness and the courage to stand for truth. This is followed by a dinosaur shattering a golden mask on a billboard, revealing a sinister face beneath. This striking moment signifies the need to confront deeply entrenched falsehoods and expose hidden truths.
As awareness spreads, the montage shifts to a woman reading a newspaper titled Deceiving World and a **man reading one titled No More Silent! These visuals represent the growing realization of truth among the masses. However, this revelation is immediately contrasted with a massive flood engulfing the city, symbolizing the overwhelming and inescapable consequences of silence and complicity.
In the midst of this chaos, the silent villain attempts to flee accountability by flying with a parachute to escape the flood. This desperate action illustrates the futile efforts of those who perpetuate lies and avoid facing the consequences of their inaction.
The sequence then transitions to two characters leading creatures that evolve from tigers to lions. This transformation symbolizes the masses’ progression from individual, instinctive courage to collective strength, unity, and justice. The creatures with tiger heads and lion bodies marching forward represent the unified decision to embrace truth and reject complicity.
Finally, the hero reappears in the same place where his journey began, walking resolutely between two parked buses while singing No More Silent. This moment reinforces the universal accessibility of the message, emphasizing that true change doesn’t require relocation—it calls for a transformation of mindset, perspective, and courage. The montage concludes with the villain falling into the flood, serving as a stark reminder of the inevitable and destructive consequences of complicity and inaction.
For me, this sequence encapsulated the entire theme of Deceiving World—a journey from passivity to awareness, the cost of silence, and the transformative power of truth. It was one of the most challenging yet rewarding parts of the project to create, knowing it would leave viewers with a profound and lasting impression.
Host: Thank you Mohamed for taking the time to share your creative journey and these meaningful insights with us! I’ve truly enjoyed this conversation and feel inspired by your vision and artistry.
Mohamed Beriky: Thank you so much for the opportunity!
Host: And to our audience, thank you for joining us for this insightful interview series. If you haven’t already, make sure to watch Deceiving World and let it inspire you. Until next time, take care, stay curious, and don’t be silent!
The Project Page on FilmFreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/DeceivingWorld
🔷🔷 Related Articles
🔷 Behind "Deceiving World": A Simulated Interview with Director Mohamed Beriky | Part 1: https://civitai.com/articles/10489/behind-deceiving-world-a-simulated-interview-with-director-mohamed-beriky-or-part-1
🔷 Behind "Deceiving World": A Simulated Interview with Director Mohamed Beriky | Part 2: https://civitai.com/articles/10555/behind-deceiving-world-a-simulated-interview-with-director-mohamed-beriky-or-part-2
🔷🔷 Related Videos
🔷"Deceiving World" Music Video Submission for Odyssey Project: https://civitai.com/images/49189873
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🔷 Video Release (On Beriky Studios YouTube Artist Channel)
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Audio Release (On Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music): https://artists.landr.com/055855700827
