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The Lebanese Rocket Society

Fall Grant 2011 - Post-Production Stage

Synopsis

When filmmakers Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige inadvertently discovered that their native Lebanon launched the first rocket in the Middle East in the 60s, and that the nation was immensely proud of its involvement in the international race to conquer the last frontier, they were surprised and intrigued. Why had such a significant episode in Lebanon’s history been altogether erased from the collective memory? Interviewing scientists, professors and army authorities involved in the development of the rocket project, the directors uncover a dream of future glory that was halted and silenced by international pressure following the Arab-Israeli military conflict of 1967. In bringing this exciting chapter of Lebanese history to light, Hadjithomas and Joreige’s film reflects the reawakening of the hopes and dreams of the peoples of the Middle East in the wake of the Arab Spring.

Official Film Website

Credits

Director

Khalil Joreige, Joana Hadjithomas

Screenwriter

Khalil Joreige, Joana Hadjithomas

Producer

Georges Schoucair, Edouard Mauriat

About the Director

Khalil Joreige is a Lebanese filmmaker and visual artist. He works with Joana Hadjithomas. Together they have directed documentaries and feature films including ‘Al Bayt el Zaher’ (‘Around the Pink House’, 1999), ‘A Perfect Day’ (2005) and ‘Je veux voir’ (‘I Want to See’), starring Catherine Deneuve and Rabih Mroué. The project on the ‘Lebanese Rocket Society’ includes several artistic installations and has been shown in many museums, biennials and art centers around the world.

Joana Hadjithomas is a Lebanese filmmaker and a visual artist. She works with Khalil Joreige. Together they have directed documentaries and feature films shown and multi-awarded in international festivals including Al Bayt el Zaher, A Perfect Day and Je veux voir, starring Catherine Deneuve and Rabih Mroué. The project on the Lebanese Rocket Society includes a feature documentary film and artistic installations that are being shown in many museums, biennials and art centers around the world.

Awards and Festival History

Festivals

Doha Tribeca Film Festival 2012, in Arab Feature Film Competition (Qatar)
Toronto International Film Festival 2012, Wavelengths (Canada)

Awards

Won Best Documentary Feature Film at Doha Tribecca Film Festival 2012 (Qatar)

Contacts

• Distributor

  Eva Badr

  Company: 

  MC Distribution

  Phone: 

  +961 1 332 661

  Email: 

  ebadr@mcdistribution.me

• Main Contact

  Arnaud Bélangeon-Bouaziz

  Company: 

  Urban Distribution International

  Phone: 

  + 33 148 704 655

  Email: 

  arnaud@urbandistrib.com

• Sales Contact

  Frederic Corvez

  Company: 

  Udi - Urban Distribution International

  Phone: 

  +33 148 707 307

  Email: 

  frederic@urbandistrib.com

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