Since its independence in 1943, Lebanon has seen civil war, occupation, political turmoil, famine– and … healthy production of films…

“The The Adventures of Elias Mabruk” the first credited Lebanese film, which was made in 1929, and one of the great examples of the Lebanese cinema production since Silent Era…

Paris of the Middle East (Beirut) was one of the most important centers of literature and cinema in the Arab World, until the outbreak of the civil war. Not surprisingly, this period also is called the Golden Age of Lebanese cinema. Lebanon had the best technical facilities for film production in the Middle East, as well as a monopoly on distribution. Co-productions with Egypt and Syria were common in this period.

The manager of Luminar film studios Herta Gargour, is credited with establishing filmmaking in Lebanon after the silent era. Under the French Mandate, theaters became common in Beirut and some were used as a venue for political gatherings. After Lebanon became independent from France, an economic boom – as well as its liberal and multi-cultural society – made Beirut the financial center of the Middle East and a viable production alternative to Egypt.

Lebanese filmmakers have powered through incredible difficulties to bring their stories to the rest of the world. We applaud the Lebanese ingenuity, talent, and the Lebanese persistence. 

Credits to the researcher:
Noël de Souza- Golden Globes