What is the main approach of Lana Daher's documentary about Beirut?

The documentary uses over 20,000 hours of archival footage, eschewing talking heads and voiceover to channel the resilient spirit of Beirut through a non-linear narrative.

How does the film portray life in Beirut?

It intersperses moments of everyday joy, such as wedding celebrations, with stark images of war-torn buildings and bombed cars, reflecting the precarity and resilience of life in the city.

What is the significance of music in the documentary?

Popular culture and hit songs are emphasized, with sequences like Dalida's 'Laissez-Moi Danser' played over dancing scenes, serving as an ode to the collective courage of Lebanese people amidst wartime upheavals.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Beirut's Spirit: 20,000 Hours of Archival Resilience

Beirut's Spirit: 20,000 Hours of Archival Resilience

2 Feb

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Summary

Film uses over 20,000 hours of archival footage to portray Beirut.
It blends everyday joy with stark images of destruction and war.
The documentary offers an alternative narrative of Lebanon's past.

Beirut's Spirit: 20,000 Hours of Archival Resilience

Lana Daher's latest film masterfully utilizes over 20,000 hours of archival footage to capture the indomitable spirit of Beirut. Abandoning chronological order, the documentary offers a non-linear journey through the city's history, blending disparate film clips, newsreels, and home videos. This approach evokes the precariousness of life in the Lebanese capital, juxtaposing scenes of vibrant celebrations with unsettling images of destruction.

The film delves into painful sociopolitical events, including the Lebanese civil war and repeated invasions, yet it also finds space for humor and beauty. Popular culture, particularly hit songs, plays a significant role, offering moments of exhilaration even when contrasted with stark realities like garbage dumps. Editor Qutaiba Barhamji's skillful work maintains a fluid rhythm throughout the documentary.