Documentary ‘Diaries From Lebanon' returns to Metropolis Cinema in Beirut
Following its world premiere at the 74th Berlinale and a series of successful commercial screenings, Lebanese director Myriam El Hajj's feature documentary Diaries From Lebanon will return to Metropolis Cinema in Beirut on Monday, August 18. The opening screening will be followed by a discussion with Lebanese journalists Joumana Haddad and Ibrahim Totanji.
The special run is presented through a collaboration between MAD Solutions, Nadi Lekol Nas and Metropolis Cinema, giving local audiences another opportunity to engage with this intimate and timely documentary.
Diaries From Lebanon unfolds as a docudrama told in the form of personal diaries, capturing four turbulent years in the life of a nation struggling against political and social upheaval. Against the backdrop of Lebanon's ongoing crises, the film explores how individuals pursue meaning, survival and dreams in the midst of collapse.
Written, directed and co-lensed by El Hajj alongside Jihad Saadé and Mohamed Siam, the film is produced by Myriam Sassine of Abbout Productions and Carine Ruszniewski of GoGoGo Films. Editing was handled by Anita Perez and Stéphanie Sicard. The documentary features prominent figures including author and activist Joumana Haddad, Lebanese war veteran Georges Moufarej and artist-activist Perla Joe Maalouli.
By weaving together stories of resilience and struggle, Diaries From Lebanon offers a deeply personal reflection on a country's fight to overcome adversity. The screenings mark a significant moment in bringing the voices and experiences of Lebanon's people back to the forefront, highlighting both their challenges and hopes for the future.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Broadcast Pro
5 hours ago
- Broadcast Pro
Red Sea Film Foundation unveils jury and teams for 48Hr Film Challenge
In September 2025, all completed films will be screened during two professional days dedicated to industry engagement and feedback. The Red Sea Film Foundation has announced the jury panel for the fifth edition of its 48-Hour Film Challenge, set to take place later this year. The jury will feature Saudi presenter and actor Yasser Al Saggaf, Lebanese actress and director Carmen Bsaibes, and French-Moroccan filmmaker and actor Ayoub Layoussifi. All three are widely recognised for their diverse contributions to Arab and international cinema, bringing with them valuable expertise in both acting and directing. Al Saggaf, a leading voice in Saudi media, has long championed young talent in film and broadcasting. Bsaibes is celebrated across the Arab world for her memorable roles in film and television and her growing influence as a director. Layoussifi has gained acclaim for his award-winning works, including TIKITAT-A-SOULIMA, Dis-moi Mohammed… and Shikha, which was selected for the Red Sea Short Film Competition in 2024. Their combined insights are expected to bring both depth and constructive guidance to this year's challenge. Organised in collaboration with the Consulate General of France in Jeddah, the Embassy of France in Saudi Arabia, Alliance Française and the Centre for French Culture, the initiative is designed to empower emerging Saudi filmmakers through a demanding time-bound competition rooted in collaboration and innovation. The 2025 edition will feature 14 teams: Albaraa Moazzin (SAIL), Abrar Alqurashi (CINEMANIA), Sara Amari (JULY ECHO), Fares Salah (SARJ), Essam Alkhairy (GARBA3A), Rmas Alhazmi (THE DECLIC), Maan Alsiari (CINEPHILES), Tala Faisal (PSYCHOSIS), Rakan Wafa (SEA HORSEMEN), Saad Alderaan (CMPRSN), Khaled Kaseb (ABU HADRIYAH ST BOYS), Hassan Alradhi (WESTRICH), Summer Alashari (ON THE EDGE) and Mohanad Alzahrani (TWINREEL). Ahead of the competition, the selected teams participated in a two-day preparatory workshop on July 11–12, 2025. The sessions were led by Iraqi director Ahmed Yassin Aldaradji, Saudi filmmaker Ahd Kamel and Academy member Cyril Aris, who provided training in directing, screenwriting, and editing to help participants prepare for the challenge of producing a complete short film within 48 hours. The completed films will premiere in September 2025 during two professional days focused on industry engagement, where participants will showcase their work and receive mentorship from Saudi and French professionals. Two winning teams will be chosen based on creativity, technical execution, and storytelling impact. Their films will be screened at the fifth Red Sea International Film Festival in December 2025, and the team leaders will also be awarded an exclusive filmmaking residency in France in 2026. Now in its fifth year, the 48-Hour Film Challenge has become a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's independent cinema movement. Since its launch, it has nurtured a new generation of storytellers, enabling young filmmakers to showcase their talent, participate in international film platforms, and advance their professional careers.
Broadcast Pro
8 hours ago
- Broadcast Pro
Documentary ‘Diaries From Lebanon' returns to Metropolis Cinema in Beirut
The film is a multinational co-production between Lebanon, France, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Following its world premiere at the 74th Berlinale and a series of successful commercial screenings, Lebanese director Myriam El Hajj's feature documentary Diaries From Lebanon will return to Metropolis Cinema in Beirut on Monday, August 18. The opening screening will be followed by a discussion with Lebanese journalists Joumana Haddad and Ibrahim Totanji. The special run is presented through a collaboration between MAD Solutions, Nadi Lekol Nas and Metropolis Cinema, giving local audiences another opportunity to engage with this intimate and timely documentary. Diaries From Lebanon unfolds as a docudrama told in the form of personal diaries, capturing four turbulent years in the life of a nation struggling against political and social upheaval. Against the backdrop of Lebanon's ongoing crises, the film explores how individuals pursue meaning, survival and dreams in the midst of collapse. Written, directed and co-lensed by El Hajj alongside Jihad Saadé and Mohamed Siam, the film is produced by Myriam Sassine of Abbout Productions and Carine Ruszniewski of GoGoGo Films. Editing was handled by Anita Perez and Stéphanie Sicard. The documentary features prominent figures including author and activist Joumana Haddad, Lebanese war veteran Georges Moufarej and artist-activist Perla Joe Maalouli. By weaving together stories of resilience and struggle, Diaries From Lebanon offers a deeply personal reflection on a country's fight to overcome adversity. The screenings mark a significant moment in bringing the voices and experiences of Lebanon's people back to the forefront, highlighting both their challenges and hopes for the future.
Broadcast Pro
3 days ago
- Broadcast Pro
Cinema Akil to host special screening of ‘The Third Rahbani'
The documentary sheds light on the life, career, and legacy of Lebanese composer Elias Rahbani, the youngest of the famed Rahbani brothers. Cinema Akil will present a special release in memory of the late Ziad Rahbani (1956–2025) with the screening of The Third Rahbani, a documentary directed by Feyrouz Serhal. The film explores the life, career and legacy of Lebanese composer Elias Rahbani (1938–2021), the youngest of the iconic Rahbani brothers, celebrated for their profound influence on Lebanese and Arab music. Drawing from personal archives and exclusive interviews, The Third Rahbani traces Elias Rahbani's artistic journey, detailing his rise in the regional music scene and the unique path he forged apart from his famous brothers, Assi and Mansour, who gained global acclaim for their collaborations with Fairuz. The documentary highlights his innovative compositions, prolific collaborations with leading artists, and his diverse contributions to film scores, advertising music and partisan anthems. The film also reflects on the numerous awards and honours Rahbani received over his decades-long career, illustrating how his artistry became a landmark in Arab music. Following a successful 2024 screening, Cinema Akil is bringing the documentary back by popular demand as a tribute to the Rahbani family. The special release will feature six screenings only, running from August 15 to August 21. The opening night will include a Q&A session with director Feyrouz Serhal, joined by Myrna Ayad.
