About a War 2019

This feature length documentary explores violence and social change through the stories of ex-fighters from the Lebanese Civil War. The Lebanese Civil War saw 250,000 dead, 1 million displaced and 17,000 people still missing. During the conflict thousands of teenagers picked up arms to fight in a 15 years war that tore the nation apart.In 1990, the Taif agreement brought the war to a close, integrating warring parties into a power sharing government. With no public reconciliation, an amnesty pardoning all crimes against civilians and no plans to reintegrate militiamen back into society, many fighters became anonymous, silent and were left to disappear into a society ravaged by internal strife.About a War presents compelling testimonies from ex-fighters who bravely volunteer a rare glimpse into the trauma, regret and redemption of a militiaman. Through extensive interviews, rare archive material and an evocative original soundtrack, the film explores the personal motivations and choices, the harrowing battles, international interventions and political power struggles that transformed their lives. Moving between the vivid memories of ex-fighters from opposing sides, the film pieces together a complex moment in Lebanese contemporary history producing a multi-perspective account of the conflict.Nowadays, ex-fighters Ahed, Assad and Nassim dedicate their lives to breaking cycles of violence among young people in Lebanon. While their own personal confessions delve deeper into issues of violence and politics in the Middle East, they also stand as a cautionary tale for a country that continues to be marred by inequality and sectarian divide.