Lebanese film industry in shambles

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BEIRUT, Aug 17: Over recent years, the Lebanese film industry has been in an utter shambles due to the country’s ailing economy. Despite the dire situation, those involved in the industry are trying to bring film and cinema back to the forefront of the cultural scene to continue the scene’s legacy that began in the 1930s. Film producer Myriam Sassine told KUNA that the Lebanese cinema and film industry was thriving post-2000 when around two feature-length films were produced annually.

In 2019, around 20 to 30 films of various durations were produced within Lebanon, Sassine revealed, noting that the scene was thriving until the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world and the economy went into a freefall. She indicated that the lowest estimate for film production was around USD 200,000 and that number was astronomical, especially in the time of an economic crisis. Talent is available in Lebanon; however, liquidity and money were essential parts of bringing the industry to the level witnessed prior to the pandemic and failing economy, Sassine affirmed. On his part, film Director Samir Habchi reiterated that the main issue facing Lebanese cinema was funding, adding that finding the money to produce socially conscious films was an extra struggle. (KUNA)

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