The stories of our past are what forge us as human beings. We are brought up listening to grandparent’s tales of our family history and roots. We remember childhood as a playground filled with imaginary trips to our ancestral past, giving us a sense of belonging for the rest of our lives.
The short film “Finding My Lebanon” is the childhood dream of a boy who has never heard the stories of his past. Mark Abouzeid spent his entire life traveling around the world, capturing the living heritage of others, while struggling to find that sense of belonging.
“Roots were something I have never known, will never know; not in the US, not in Hong Kong, not in Tuscany. I was born to travel, to embrace new languages and cultures, to reject attachment.” , states Mark Abouzeid.
Abouzeid spent his entire life traveling around the world, capturing the living heritage of others, while struggling to find that sense of belonging. Before his father died, Mark interviewed him on their family history and the things he learned intrigued him to find his “home”, his Lebanon.
This non- profit project was born from an idea to document everything Mark Abouzeid didn’t know about his family’s history. Soon enough he learnt that he is not the only Lebanese who felt displaced and longed for his ‘home’. Their teaser video “A day in the life” hit 1500 views in less than two days and the production’s Facebook page has now gathered almost 2000 followers. In addition, renowned names from all over the world such as journalist Robert Fisk, cookbook writer Barbara Masaad, journalist Rania Abouzeid and many more, joined him on his path of discovery, sharing their intimate stories, contributing to what is now becoming a short film.
After two months of production in Lebanon, “Finding My Lebanon” is coming to an end, and a crowdfunding page has been set up in order to raise the funds needed for the post production costs. The short film, shot entirely in 4k is planned to be released at Film Festivals around the world.
More info: indiegogo.com
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