Lebanon Dream
Directed by: Nurit Kedar
Language: Arabic, Hebrew, English subtitles
2001 | Israel | Beta SP | Color | California Premiere | 65 min
Topics: Politics, Palestinian, Middle East Conflict, Israelis & Arabs, Israel, Immigration, History, Arabic
Part of special program Israeli Documentaries
Close up on Nurit Kedar
Director in person: San Francisco, Berkeley
When we first meet Samir Farhat, he is a successful Lebanese businessman profiting by importing luxury goods from Israel into Southern Lebanon during Israel's long military foray there (1982 to 2000). Farhat, a cross between Brech's Mother Courage and a character in a Greek tragedy, wears whatever uniform is convenient, be it from the Southern Lebanese or the Israeli army. His business acumen allows no room for morality and his politics consist of cultivating whoever happens to be in power. And yet he is fascinating, both because of his self-determination amidst absolute chaos and because his existence raises the question, Did he contribute to creating the war, or did the war create him? Nurit Kedar has fashioned a compelling documentary portrait of the profiteer she first encountered while filming Borders.
Director will be in attendance in San Francisco and Berkeley.
Presented with Borders
Co-presented by Jewish Voice for Peace and the American Friends Service Committee