Synopsis
The free-spirited Badri family escape the overwhelming pollution and social unrest of Beirut by seeking refuge in a utopic mountain home they built for themselves. Unexpectedly, an illegal garbage landfill begins construction right next door. With it comes the very trash and corruption they were trying to escape. As the landfill rises, so do family tensions. The Badris are left with a choice: stay off the grid or leave their idyllic home and face the reality they fled, hoping to stay true to their ideals.
Presented by the director
Filmmaker
Mounia Akl
Mounia Akl is an award-winning Lebanese filmmaker. Her short film, Submarine (2016), was in the Official Selection of the 69th Cannes Film Festival (Cinéfondation), SXSW, TIFF and Dubai Film Festival where it won the Muhr Jury Prize. In 2017, Mounia took part in the Lebanon Factory and co-directed a short film El Gran Libano which opened Cannes Directors’ Fortnight and screened at BFI London among others.
Filmography: Costa Brava, Lebanon (2021, D’A 2022), El Gran Líbano (codirected, short, 2017), Lebanon Factory (codirected, 2017), Submarine (short, 2016), Eva (short, 2014), Christine (short, 2014), Anoesis (short, 2011), Cheers, to Those Who Stay (short, 2010), Beirut, I Love You (I Love You Not) (short, 2009)
Awards
Special mention for the Fondazione Fai Persona Lavoro Ambiente Award
TIFF
NETPAC Award
BFI LONDON FILM FESTIVAL
Audience Award
SEVILLE EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL
Grand Jury Prize
Poster
