“Do You Love Me”, interview with director Lana Daher

Uncover the emotional and historical layers of Beirut with the thought-provoking film “Do You Love Me“. This documentary weaves together fragments of Lebanon’s complex past, capturing both turmoil and resilience. Wondering how the story reflects Lebanese identity? Lana Daher talks with us about the idea and the production of the film.

Why Did Lana Daher Choose To Ask “Do You Love Me”

The question “Do You Love Me” serves as a poignant reflection of the film’s overarching theme—examining love, attachment, and resilience amidst chaos. Lana Daher’s “Do You Love Me“ explores Beirut’s tumultuous history, asking whether through pain and upheaval, the love for homeland persists. This central question invites viewers to consider the emotional ties that bind people to their city despite ongoing struggles. The film’s focus highlights how love and attachment are intertwined with the city’s scars and vitality.

How Archival Footage Shapes The Narrative

The use of archival footage is crucial in “Do You Love Me” as it reconstructs Beirut’s layered history. Lana Daher’s journey began with her curiosity about Lebanon’s fragmented archives, motivated by the absence of a unified national history. The film’s power lies in its extensive compilation of over 20,000 sources, including videos, photographs, and music, carefully sourced and licensed over years of research. These visual fragments dose the narrative with authenticity and emotional depth, revealing both moments of violence and bursts of resilience that define Lebanese society.

What Does the Film Say About Lebanese Resilience

The film vividly portrays the resilience ingrained in Lebanese culture, emphasizing the country’s capacity to endure. Lana Daher explains that despite repetitive cycles of violence, Lebanese people never entirely give up; instead, they adapt and rebuild. The question “Do You Love Me” is more than romantic—it signifies a collective love for a homeland that’s often fractured but still fiercely alive. The film captures this duality—highlighting the ongoing love for Beirut amidst the shadows of its troubled history, and illustrating how resilience comes with both emotional costs and hope for renewal.

Overall, “Do You Love Me” is a profound reflection on Beirut’s identity—shaped by fragmentation, vitality, and an unbreakable love for the city. The film invites viewers to ask themselves and others: do you love me? The answer resonates deeply within the Lebanese experience of enduring and thriving despite everything.

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