A new lens on the Lebanese Civil War: ‘Green Line’ at Locarno Film Festival

A unique narrative approach

The Lebanese Civil War remains a deeply impactful chapter in Middle Eastern history, and the documentary Green Line offers a fresh perspective on this tumultuous period. Directed by Sylvie Ballyot and co-written with Fida Bizri, the film has garnered global rights acquisition by MAD World and is set to compete for the Golden Leopard at the Locarno Film Festival.

Reconstructing memories with miniatures

Green Line employs an innovative storytelling technique by using miniature sets of Beirut and figurines to recreate Bizri’s childhood experiences during the war, which spanned from 1975 to 1990. This creative approach allows Bizri to confront the ex-militiamen who once claimed to protect her but instead instilled fear. The film’s use of miniatures not only adds a unique visual element but also serves as a metaphor for the fragmented and often surreal nature of war memories.

Watch the trailer for Green Line

Bridging the divide

The documentary goes beyond personal recollection by facilitating encounters with individuals from both sides of the conflict. Bizri meets those who operated in East Beirut, her childhood adversaries, in a series of judgment-free dialogues. These interactions aim to foster a universal understanding of war, transcending the simplistic binaries of enemy and ally.

The impact of war on children

Ballyot and producer Céline Loiseau emphasize the long-lasting effects of war on children. They note that those raised amidst conflict often struggle to reconcile with their past, which can hinder their future. Green Line seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of the Lebanese Civil War, portraying individuals not merely as survivors or casualties but as complex human beings shaped by their experiences.

A platform for Arab stories

In Arabic-speaking regions, Green Line will be distributed by MAD Distribution, a subsidiary of the Cairo-based independent studio MAD Solutions. The company aims to shed light on Arab narratives, offering new perspectives on historical events. Co-founders Alaa Karkouti and Maher Diab highlight the film’s personal exploration of collective history as both informative and emotionally resonant.

A new era of documentary filmmaking

MAD World co-president Colin Brown draws parallels between Green Line and other notable documentaries like The Mother of All Lies and Persepolis. These films demonstrate that recent history and personal memories can be revisited without relying solely on archival footage. Green Line stands as a testament to resourceful non-fiction storytelling, seeking answers to long-buried questions.

A collaborative effort

The film is a French-Lebanese co-production, involving multiple production houses including TS Productions (Paris), Films du Force Majeure (Marseille), Xbox Films (Toulouse), and Orjouane Productions (Lebanon). It received funding from various entities such as France’s CNC, Région Normandie, Région Occitanie, Région Sud, Région Ile-de-France, and Qatar’s Doha Film Institute.

A multifaceted filmmaker

Sylvie Ballyot, a graduate of the Fémis film school in Paris, has a rich background in exploring intimate and collective themes through her work. She has directed several shorts and medium-length fiction films, including Alice (2002), Tel Père Telle Fille (2007), and Moi Tout Seul (2012). Her 2008 documentary Love and Words, shot in Yemen, further showcases her ability to delve into complex emotional landscapes.

In Green Line, Ballyot not only directs and co-writes but also serves as the cinematographer alongside Béatrice Kordon, co-edits with Charlotte Tourrès, and composes the music with Luc Meilland. This multifaceted involvement underscores her commitment to bringing a deeply personal and authentic vision to the screen.

A personal reflection

As a cinema enthusiast, Green Line resonates deeply with me. The use of miniatures to reconstruct war memories is not just a creative choice but a powerful tool to convey the fragmented nature of trauma. The film’s ability to bridge divides and foster understanding through personal stories is a testament to the transformative power of cinema. It reminds us that behind every historical event are individual lives, each with their own fears, hopes, and dreams.

For those interested in exploring more about the film, you can watch the Green Line trailer and delve into this poignant narrative that promises to leave a lasting impact.