The Beirut Art Film Festival launches United in Heritage, a six-month program celebrating Lebanon’s cultural legacy with nationwide film screenings. The inaugural session is set for Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM.
The Beirut Art Film Festival (BAFF) unveils its United in Heritage initiative, a six-month cultural program designed to unite Lebanese citizens around their shared heritage. The program features monthly screenings in 12 cities, simultaneously bringing communities together to rediscover Lebanon’s cultural treasures. Following each screening, a Zoom Q&A allows audience members from all locations to engage with filmmakers and experts, fostering meaningful conversations about the films and their themes.
The inaugural session is set for Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM sharp, with a national screening of the restored film Whispers, directed by Maroun Baghdadi in 1980. The film, a 94-minute co-production between Lebanon, Canada, and France, is in Arabic with English subtitles and features the Lebanese poet Nadia Tueni. This poetic documentary takes viewers on a poignant journey across war-torn Lebanon, blending Tueni’s idealistic vision of her homeland with Baghdadi’s deeply personal reflections. Together, they capture the country's beauty, nostalgia, and enduring struggles.
Whispers offers a unique perspective on Lebanon’s history, as seen through the eyes of a poet and filmmaker grappling with the fall of a nation. The film’s exploration of poetry, memory, and resilience resonates deeply, making it a fitting choice to launch this ambitious cultural initiative.
The screening will be followed by a Zoom Q&A at 7:35 PM in Arabic, featuring Naja El Ashkar, founder of Nadi Lekol Nas, and Hassan Naamani, the film's chief operator. This interactive session aims to deepen the audience’s understanding of the film’s historical and cultural significance.
Audiences can choose from 12 screening locations, including Baalbeck at USPEaK and the Baalbeck Cultural Council, Beirut at Théâtre Beryte, and Byblos at LAU-Louis Cardahi Foundation. Other participating venues include the Mtein Museum of Arts, Ishbilia Theatre in Saida, Zahle Municipality, and Zgharta’s cultural centre Projet Ajial, among others. Admission to all screenings is free, emphasizing accessibility and inclusivity.
This event is made possible through the support of the Association Philippe Jabre, the Saadallah and Loubna Khalil Foundation, and Le Théâtre Béryte, in collaboration with Nadi Lekol Nas. By fostering connections across regions, United in Heritage aims to highlight Lebanon’s cultural richness and inspire hope in its future.
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