Myriam El Hajj’s Diaries from Lebanon@Hot Docs 2024

In an interview at the Hot Docs International Documentary Film Festival, director Myriam El Hajj discussed her documentary Diaries from Lebanon. The film chronicles four tumultuous years in Lebanon, marked by revolution, a devastating economic crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the catastrophic Beirut explosion. El Hajj’s work delves into the lives of three individuals: feminist and politician Joumana Haddad, activist Perla Joe Maalouli, and civil war veteran Georges Moufarej. Each character represents different aspects of Lebanese society and their collective struggles against entrenched corruption and sectarian politics​ ​.

El Hajj shared that the film, shot over four years, captures not just the external events but the internal resilience and dreams of its protagonists. She did not initially set out with a defined narrative but allowed the evolving circumstances and her subjects’ lives to shape the story. Through their personal experiences, the film portrays a broader picture of Lebanon’s ongoing quest for change and justice, highlighting the country’s complex socio-political landscape​. FERNTV says that you should seek out this informative film.