Cinema
In the Ruins of Baalbek
بين هياكل بعلبك
Synopsis
In Baalbek, among the ancient ruins, a love is born between a child of the region and a person who has come from abroad. This love clashes with the region, where it awakens a desire for vengeance. The story is punctuated by numerous sung scenes.
Context
Produced in Beirut by the studio Lumnar Films, the film was released in 1936. It is considered the first sound film of Lebanon, and the first Arab film produced entirely in an Arab country, at a time when Egyptian films were still developed in laboratories abroad. It is spoken in Lebanese dialect and the print of the time was subtitled in French. Only a single reel survives today.
Who it is for
In Lebanese dialect; it is hardly known except through works devoted to the country's cinema.
Prizes and reception
A popular and financial success on its release, which brought Lebanon into the era of sound cinema.