WEST BEIRUT

Ziad Doueiri

lebanon france belgium norway 1998 105 min

Beirut, April 13, 1975: the first official day of the Lebanese Civil War. The passengers of a Palestinian bus are massacred by the militia in front of Tarek and Omar, two teenagers from West Beirut determined to enjoy their youth despite the tragedy unfolding around them. They join their Christian friend May and explore the city, filming the streets and the violence with a Super 8 camera. Gradually, the war draws them into its escalating conflict, and their carefree adolescence comes to an abrupt end.

• About the film

  original west beyrouth

  directed by ziad doueiri

  written by ziad doueiri

  cast rami doueiri mohamad chamas rola al amin carmen lebbos joseph bou nassar

  cinematography ricardo jacques gale

  editing dominique marcombe

  music stewart copeland

  production companies 3b productions la sept arte douri films cine libre exposed film productions

• Festivals & Awards

  Festival de Cannes
  2000 | Un Certain Regard
  Award: Caméra d’Or - ex æquo

  Tokyo FILMeX
  2000 | Competition
  Award: Special Jury Prize

  Bratislava International Film Festival
  2000 | Official Selection
  Award: Special Mention of the Jury

  Fribourg International Film Festival (FIFF)
  2001 | International Competition - Long Films

  Moscow International Film Festival
  2000 | Festival Selection
  Award: Best Actor - Jalil Nazari