Skies of Lebanon

In the vibrant and tumultuous Beirut of the 1950s, Alice, a young Swiss woman, falls in love with Joseph, a charming Lebanese pilot. Their passionate romance blossoms amidst the backdrop of a city on the brink of war. As political tensions rise and civil unrest escalates, Alice and Joseph's relationship is tested by the chaos surrounding them. They must navigate their dreams and desires against the backdrop of a changing nation, seeking to hold onto their love amidst the encroaching conflict.

Skies of Lebanon received a mixed to positive reception from critics, who often praised its visual style and emotional performances, particularly from its lead actress. However, some found the narrative to be somewhat uneven or underdeveloped, struggling to fully convey the historical context and personal stakes.

• Praised for its lush cinematography and evocative portrayal of Beirut.

• The performances of the lead actors are often highlighted as a strong point.

• Some critics felt the film's pacing and narrative depth could have been improved.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's romantic storyline and its beautiful depiction of Beirut, finding it to be a visually appealing and emotionally resonant experience. Some viewers noted that while the film effectively captured a sense of place and romance, they wished for a more profound exploration of the historical events.

Nominated for the Golden Leopard at the Locarno International Film Festival.

The film's vibrant and nostalgic visual style was deliberately crafted to evoke a sense of memory and romanticized past, with director Chloé Mazlo drawing inspiration from her own family history in Lebanon.