“Diaries from Lebanon”, Interview with director Myriam El Hajj

A Personal Journey through Lebanon’s Turmoil

In this heartfelt interview, we speak with Myriam El Hajj, the director of “Diaries from Lebanon”, during the 15th edition of the Middle East Now festival in Florence. Myriam openly shares her emotions regarding Lebanon’s current situation, expressing deep anger and grief over the ongoing struggles faced by her country. With personal ties to the Lebanese Civil War—her family was heavily involved—Myriam’s storytelling is deeply rooted in her intimate experiences, depicting a society still grappling with the consequences of decades of conflict. She remarks, “This film is a continuation of my journey to understand the past,” underscoring how the trauma of war continues to haunt the everyday lives of individuals and families across Lebanon.

Artistic Choices and Emotional Depth in Filmmaking

The documentary serves as a powerful reflection on a nation where the echoes of historical violence remain ever-present. Myriam elaborates on the enduring political turmoil, sharing her belief that former warlords still hold sway, further complicating the lives of the Lebanese people. In “Diaries from Lebanon”, she uses striking visual metaphors, such as balloons soaring above scenes of destruction. This artistic choice allows her to convey complex emotions and themes without resorting to graphic portrayals of violence. “I wanted to focus on feelings rather than just the destruction,” Myriam explains, emphasizing her intent to capture the emotional depth of her characters and the richness of their stories.

Challenging Narratives and Fostering Empathy

As she delves into this deeply personal narrative, Myriam El Hajj also aims to challenge the conventional portrayals often presented by international media. By drawing on her own experiences and family history, she highlights the importance of understanding Lebanon’s reality from an insider’s perspective. In her film, she invites the audience to look beyond the sensationalized images of violence commonly shown in the news, offering instead an intimate view of the lives affected by these events. This approach is essential not only for documenting pain but also for fostering empathy and a deeper connection with viewers who may be unfamiliar with the complexities of Lebanon’s historical and ongoing struggles.

Furthermore, Myriam El Hajj discusses the dual role of filmmakers as both storytellers and activists. The film is not merely a documentation of past events; it actively seeks to educate and inform audiences about Lebanon’s social and political realities. “Our role as filmmakers is to challenge dominant narratives and present our version of the story,” she asserts, acknowledging that many misconceptions, especially in Western media, persist. Her work aims to bridge this gap, offering a nuanced perspective that highlights the resilience of her people amid adversity.

Despite the difficulties of screening the film in Lebanon due to the unpredictable political climate, Myriam El Hajj  remains committed to ensuring that these stories reach their intended audience. She expresses hope for local screenings, emphasizing the significance of sharing the film within Lebanon itself, where it reflects four to five years of intense lived experiences. The characters in the film represent the stories of countless individuals whose lives have been shaped by Lebanon’s turbulent history, and it is essential for them to see their experiences represented on screen.

In her mission to share “Diaries from Lebanon”, Myriam El Hajj demonstrates a profound dedication to amplifying voices that are often silenced. The documentary stands as a testament to the power of film in fostering understanding and sparking dialogue on critical social issues. Learn more about her journey and the impact of “Diaries from Lebanon”, and don’t miss the opportunity to witness this compelling cinematic work.

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