by Shayley Blair
Upon meeting Robert Rabiah as your guide in his insightful documentary capturing the Lebanon of now, This is Lebanon – an instant immersion begins. A face and voice recognisable from previous television encounters, adds to an inclusive tone, as Robert touches down in Beirut and prepares for a winding journey through the streets, and beyond. In a sturdy acting career spanning over two decades, Robert Rabiah has stacked up credits from many well-known television series (most recently Bay of Fires, and Last King of the Cross), and hit films (Chopper, Ali’s Wedding).
Robert presents This is Lebanon in a self-described “stream of consciousness” style, with a focus on allowing the array of naturally articulate people interviewed, and their local knowledge, take centre-stage. “What I really wanted to achieve was to draw attention away from the presence of the camera and so I adopted a little bit of a cinema verité style of documentary filmmaking for these particular segments. I am very pleased with the result, especially the fly-on-the-wall elements,” Rabiah revealed to FilmInk.
Interview subjects include UN representative Sarah Shouman, along with some of the estimated 1.5 million Syrian refugees hosted by Lebanon.
“I was very aware of the fact that we didn’t have the backing of a big production company and the substantial budget that they bring to the table or an industry government body and the financial investment that they also provide. This was a passion project that was made with a one-person crew and a very small budget. Going with the grain and embracing that methodology and the way it was presented was the best option for the narrative. James Haggarty [editor] was also pivotal in helping shape what I was trying to achieve and his storytelling sensibilities in the editing process were paramount.”
A frequent mention is made in This is Lebanon, of how great the place was until a few years ago. When asked about what it was like, Rabiah say that “Lebanon once held the proud title as the ‘Paris of the Middle East.’ It was often cited as a financial hub where visitors could experience a Mediterranean-style culture, cuisine, fashion, history, art, and archaeology. It was once considered a beautiful fusion of tradition and modernity. But today, the wounds of a terminal leadership are taking its toll. The World Bank believes Lebanon’s economic crises could possibly rank in the top three most severe anywhere in the world since the 1850s. A far cry from the ‘Paris of the Middle-East’.
“In regard to the political system in operation, the unique balance of power within the country has made it increasingly difficult for all stakeholders to come to some form of political agreement, especially when it comes to filling the presidency, which is currently still vacant. Widespread protests erupted throughout Lebanon in 2019 as a result of systemic corruption and a complete stagnation of the economy. Protesters from all religious sects called for the establishment of a new political regime, which did away with sectarian divide. This unity among the people resulted in the resignation of the Cabinet of Ministers.
“The COVID-19 pandemic put an end to any change that had been brewing. Tensions reached an all-time high following the Beirut Port Explosion in 2020, which left 300,000 citizens homeless and over 200 dead. This culmination of widespread corruption, the pandemic and the Beirut Port Explosion, have led to the worst financial crises in the country’s history and an estimated 80% poverty rate. So many children are starving. It’s truly shameful.”
Future hope is glimpsed at least, in the determination expressed by interviewees in This is Lebanon. “Systemic corruption in Lebanon made headlines the world over, particularly after the protests broke out in 2019. Now, you are dealing with a country that is prospectively on the verge of becoming a failed state due to the failings of its political elite. But the Lebanese people will not give up. They are determined to find justice, a better way of life that every human being deserves, and not be defined by the thugs ruling over them.
“It always takes courage to stand up to tyranny, especially when your personal safety is on the line. I believe Khalil Gibran [the famous Lebanese poet] said ‘For how can a tyrant rule the free and the proud, but for a tyranny in their own freedom and a shame in their own pride?’”
Despite dark times, Lebanon still has a lot on offer for tourists. Rabiah spotlights a restaurant favoured by fellow actor Russel Crowe, ‘Le Chef’, renowned Lebanese food blogger Anthony Rahayel, who is interviewed in the film, and the scenic wonder that is the ancient city of Byblos, otherwise known as a Jbeil, with its history of over 7000 years, and still going strong. Rabiah describes Byblos as “the perfect poster for the theme of resilience.
“I was absolutely taken aback by Byblos or Jbeil and felt quite overwhelmed on several occasions during my time there. It is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, including the Egyptians, Phoenicians, Persians, Romans and Ottomans. The city is a UNESCO world heritage site, and like many other parts of Lebanon, deserves to be seen and appreciated by overseas travellers in a safe and stable atmosphere.”
Byblos was also the birthplace of popular rapper Nizar Zgheib, who Rabiah hosts an engaging, fluid chat with. “Nizar is a bright beacon of hope for the next generation and after meeting and interviewing him I can clearly see why,” Rabiah shares.
“People often use the word hero quite loosely, but Nizar is a true hero in the face of immense adversity and a testament to the adage that art can be a form of healing and empowerment – even in such a powder-keg environment as Lebanon. Nizar offers a voice to the voiceless through his music, providing inspiration with his longtime collaborator, Anthony Samarany, despite the lack of opportunities for the youth of Lebanon, which is not too dissimilar to what N.W.A did for the African/American youth back in the ‘80s.”
Holding top position of Robert Rabiah’s own career bucket list, is a wish to collaborate with Oscar nominated Lebanese Director, Nadine Labaki. “Who can forget her film, Capernaum? Powerful!”
There are no immediate plans for future projects, though. “All efforts are being poured into This Is Lebanon and giving it the time and resources the subject matter documented deserves,” Rabiah stated. “Currently doing the film festival circuit, we have already been fortunate enough to make the finals of the Cannes World Film Festival and am also humbled to be considered for nomination at The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards (AACTA) for Best Feature Documentary. More importantly, what these platforms give us is an opportunity to shine an even brighter light on the issues and specific faces of people who may feel invisible at times. And if that creates some change and a little discussion…. well, I think that’s the best you can hope for in cinema.”
This is Lebanon is currently on the film festival circuit, with Rabiah planning a charity screening in Beirut to raise funds for the Red Cross.
