Film Lens
Our Heedless Wars focuses on the reconstruction of Beirut starting in September 1994, two years after the civil war that lasted from 1975 to 1990. The film is directed by Randa Chahal Sabbag, who uses personal archives, family videos, and 16 mm films to provide a unique perspective on the impact of the war on her family and the city. Through interviews with her mother in Tripoli, her sister in Paris, and her brother in Beirut, she reflects on the collective memory of the conflict and its aftermath.
The film pays tribute to her father, who died during the war, and captures the emotional weight of returning to a city undergoing reconstruction. This transformation symbolizes the loss of a part of her life, as the ruins of Beirut are replaced with new developments. Sabbag's personal narrative intertwines with the broader historical context, offering viewers an intimate look at the effects of war on individuals and communities.
Why Watch
- •Meet Randa Chahal Sabbag, a woman director from Lebanon.
- •See personal family interviews in Tripoli, Paris, and Beirut.
- •Find out about Beirut's reconstruction after 17 years of war.
Did You Know
•The civil war in Lebanon lasted for 15 years, from 1975 to 1990.
•Randa Chahal Sabbag's father died during the Lebanese civil war.
•The film features family videos and archives from 1975 to 1994.
•The documentary was released in 1995, one year after the war ended.
Perfect For
Lebanese historyDocumentary filmmakingCivil war studies