Arab distributor MAD Solutions has secured the worldwide sales rights for the thought-provoking documentary “Diaries From Lebanon,” directed by Myriam El-Hajj. The film is set to make its debut in the Panorama section of the Berlin International Film Festival.
In this timely documentary, El-Hajj introduces us to three individuals from different generations who are in search of their place in a Lebanon haunted by its past, which continues to affect the present. The characters, named Georges, Joumana, and Perla Joe, hold varying perspectives on how to change the country’s bleak national narrative, whether through war, politics, or revolution.
As Lebanon’s ongoing chaos triggers personal quests for meaning and survival, all three protagonists are faced with a fundamental question: “Is it possible to sustain our dreams in the face of a crumbling world around us?”
El-Hajj, known for her previous documentary “A Time to Rest,” which delved into Lebanon’s Civil War, is not only a director but also an academic and a founding member of Rawiyat-Sisters in Film. Rawiyat-Sisters in Film is a collective of female filmmakers from the Arab world and its diaspora.
“‘Diaries From Lebanon’ has been a seven-year journey, both intimate and political,” said El-Hajj. “We are thrilled to finally share this story with the world, alongside MAD Solutions, our Arab and worldwide sales partner who has provided us with unwavering attention and sensitivity from the very beginning.”
The film is produced by Myriam Sassine of Abbout Productions, a prominent Beirut-based production company known for “Costa Brava Lebanon,” and Carine Ruszniewski of France’s GOGOGO Films. It has received support from France’s CNC, Qatar’s Doha Film Institute, Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Fund, and Morocco’s Atlas Workshops, among other entities.
MAD Solutions co-founders, Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab, commented, “‘Diaries From Lebanon’ captures countless moments of beauty amidst the struggle. We are proud to have acquired this film for worldwide sales and cannot wait to share it with audiences around the globe.”
MAD Solutions has established itself as a leading local distributor and expanded its portfolio to include worldwide sales of Arab films. In 2023, they made their mark at Cannes with the acquisition of Sudanese director Mohamed Kordofani’s “Goodbye Julia,” which has since been sold to over 15 territories. Their world sales slate also includes Ahd Kamel’s Saudi drama “My Drive and I,” Laila Abbas’ Palestinian debut feature “Thank You for Banking With Us,” and Tunisian director Nada Mezni Hafaiedh’s debut “Take My Breath,” which premiered at the Warsaw Film Festival last fall.
For more information, please visit F5mag.com.