

How film created hope after the Beirut port explosion | Mounia Akl
Feb 11, 2022
Filmmaker Mounia Akl shares her inspiring journey of creating a film amid the devastation following the Beirut port explosion. She reflects on the interplay between hope and despair, emphasizing how art can provide order in chaos. Akl discusses the complex relationships between home, identity, and crisis, revealing how personal experiences shape our understanding of vulnerability. Ultimately, she underscores filmmaking as a powerful tool for reclaiming agency and fostering human connection in the face of destruction.
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Mounia Akl's Home
- Mounia Akl, born in Beirut, considers it home despite living elsewhere.
- She emphasizes the importance of knowing one's roots in shaping identity.
Lebanon's Contradictions
- Lebanon embodies contradictions: chaos and poetry, hope and despair.
- Joy and sorrow are intertwined, reflecting the country's complex nature.
Beirut Explosion
- On August 4, 2020, a massive explosion devastated Beirut's port and half the city.
- This event caused widespread destruction, loss, and trauma, impacting Mounia Akl and her film crew.