Film: Finding My Lebanon (2016)

World Premiere at the “Cannes Film Festival 2016” and numerous international film festivals.


“Finding My Lebanon” represents a way to preserve values and traditions, the stories of the past and of the present, and above all a step forward towards peace within my own conflicting cultures.

Mark Abouzeid, Director
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This is the story of a “modern nomad”, the kind of man who was raised without any knowledge of his roots, his past, his heritage. Before his father died, the nomad interviewed him on their family history and for the first time his past was revealed to him through stories, pictures and never met before family members. The film captures the lives of three men: the grandfather who left, the father who died and the son who returned to discovery his ‘home’…and the Lebanon he found.

“Finding My Lebanon” represents an act of resistance, a way to preserve values and traditions, the stories of the past and of the present, and above all a step forward towards peace in the Mediterranean area. This short film is a first step to open a new window on Lebanon, banning clichés and promoting a country on the move. It is a story that will help all of us question who we are, and why we are the way we are.

As a Lebanese American, my heritage was often something to be hidden from others, especially post 9/11. Making this film helped me better understand who I was and the vibrant culture Lebanon is today.

Mark Abouzeid

Festivals/Awards

  • Cannes Film Festival 2016 Cannes
    France
    May 18, 2016
    World Premiere
    Creative Minds Group Finalist Screening
  • Lebanese Film Festival 2016 Sydney
    Australia
    August 28, 2016
    Australian Premiere
  • Beirut International Film Festival 2016 Beirut
    Lebanon
    October 6, 2016
    Lebanese Premiere
    Finalist ME Documentaries
  • PickurFlick Indie Film Festival Pondicherry
    India
    December 16, 2017
    Best Documentary Short
  • The Macoproject Film Festival New York
    United States
    August 31, 2017
    2nd Place Short Docs
  • Ethnografilm 2018 Paris
    France
    April 3, 2018
    Official Selection
  • Pondicherry International Film Festival 2018 Pondicherry
    India
    September 26, 2018
    Official Selection