“Do You Love Me?” is a striking archival essay film that dives deep into Lebanon’s complex audiovisual memory, offering a cinematic exploration of a country marked by recurring cycles of joy, resistance, violence, and loss.
Composed entirely from found footage, including movies, television broadcasts, home videos, music, and photographs, the film presents a layered portrait of Beirut’s psyche through the eyes of its people.
Produced by Jean-Laurent Csinidis (Films de Force Majeure) and Lana Daher through her Beirut-based company My Little Films, and edited by acclaimed Syrian-French editor Qutaiba Barhamji, the film is a remarkable achievement in both conception and execution.
Daher avoids a conventional newsreel or documentary approach.
Instead, she curates the archival material through a human-centered, intimate perspective, showcasing the reality of everyday Lebanese lives amid political tensions, civil wars, Israeli bombardments, and social upheavals.
By collecting personal archives, family videos, and home recordings, Daher captures the emotional landscapes of ordinary citizens, revealing their dreams, anxieties, and aspirations.
Rather than following a linear narrative, the film embraces fragmentation, mirroring Lebanon’s unchanging struggles over the past 20 to 30 years.
Sectarianism, political instability, and socio-economic hardships persist, yet the director also highlights the resilience and enduring spirit of the Lebanese people.
Moments of family weddings, joyful dances, and women attending to themselves are interwoven with testimonies and candid recordings of fear, grief, and uncertainty.
“Do You Love Me؟” goes beyond documenting tragedy.
It celebrates Lebanon’s cultural richness, featuring scenic shots of the Mediterranean coast, the country’s geographical beauty, and a selection of iconic Lebanese music.
The film references Ziad Rahbani, a rebellious and satirical voice reflecting the nation’s reality, alongside Lebanese films and television programs, creating a multi-layered narrative that immerses viewers in the lived experience of Lebanese citizens.
Daher’s careful curation transforms archival material into a poetic, documentary-style experience, capturing both the bitterness of emigration and nostalgia for the homeland, while also highlighting the small yet profound moments of daily joy and resilience.
“Do You Love Me؟” is a powerful, unique cinematic essay that transcends traditional documentary storytelling. Daher’s meticulous effort to gather personal archives, combine historical memory with contemporary observation, and present it in a fragmented yet coherent narrative makes this film a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the heart and soul of modern Lebanon.
This archival essay film not only preserves cultural memory but also celebrates the resilience, creativity, and humanity of the Lebanese people, making it a standout piece in contemporary Middle Eastern cinema.
The film is participating in 46 CIFF's International Critics' Week competition
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