Cast
View AllWissam Sabbagh
as Farouk
Shereen Abu Al-Ezz
as Anna Maria Bella
Ziad Bourji
as Ziad Bourji
Sultan Deeb
as Saour
Mai Sayegh
as Ivonne
Pierre Jamjian
as Zahir
Ramy Ayash
as Sam Rizk
Tariq Tamim
as Khafif
Vivianne Antonios
as Zahra
Hassan Al-Masry
as Raed
Abbas Jafar
as Aeroport Guy
Abdo Chahine
as Turkish Chemist
Jad Sabbagh
as Karim
Crew
Director
- Saif Sheikh Najeeb
Writer
- Mahmoud El-Soady
Producer
- Sobhy Senan
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Welcome to Lebanon represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Romance cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Saif Sheikh Najeeb brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2016, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Welcome to Lebanon took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 155 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 1711 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Welcome to Lebanon shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Catch-22, which focuses more on action than character development, Welcome to Lebanon subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Transit and Spanglish explore similar territory, Welcome to Lebanon stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 14, 2016
- Runtime: 1h 36m
