The explosion that struck Beirut on August 4, 2020, was not just a tragedy but a turning point that shook the very foundations of the city – its culture, people, and architecture. Over 2,700 people were killed, thousands injured, and tens of thousands left homeless. Among the many victims were Beirut’s many historic structures that had given it the moniker “Paris of the Middle East.” These buildings, a fusion of European and Middle-Eastern influences, were not just architectural wonders but also reflections of the city’s soul. Unfortunately, most of them were privately owned, and their owners lack the means to salvage them.
Against the backdrop of Beirut’s soul-destroying loss, the documentary captures the city’s relentless cultural scene ringing alarm bells to raise funds to rescue these iconic structures. But there’s no money to even secure them. The people of Beirut are now relying on donations from locals and foreigners alike to help preserve their cherished heritage. Through intimate interviews and stunning visuals, the documentary paints a thought-provoking picture of a city fighting to save its soul. Will Mary, a member of one of Beirut’s most prominent aristocratic families, be able to rebuild her beloved Sursock Palace? What will the future of the city look like if it loses its historic and cultural identity? This documentary is a heart-rending tribute to Beirut’s perseverance in the face of insurmountable loss.
