Synopsis |
On February 5th, Italian documentary director Federico Ambiel of Lilithwork Productions and Tourist's Saeed Taji Farouky will take the Lebanese government up on their offer of reviving the country’s once lucrative tourist industry. Lebanon’s Daily Star reported in December a huge government initiative to lure foreign visitors back to the country, including tax breaks, waiving visa fees and even allowing shoppers in downtown Beirut to bypass army checkpoints. As anti-government demonstrations continue, the centre of Beirut is still in lockdown. Much of the country’s south continues its massive reconstruction efforts and world-famous tourist sites like Baalbek were damaged during the 2006 summer war. Are the government’s plans realistic, or simply wishful thinking? On October 24, 2006 Guardian Unlimited reported on the aftermath of Lebanon’s summer war, asking “What remains to be seen now is how quickly the country can get back on its feet.” Skiing with Hezbollah will attempt to answer that question from the surreal perspective of a curious “political tourist.” Skiing with Hezbollah will chart our trip around the country and discuss the bizarre events and intriguing characters along the way as we ask what chances Lebanon has of being a popular tourist destination once again. The journey will coincide with many crucial dates in Lebanon’s recent history: it will be 6 months since the summer’s ceasefire and two years to the day since former Prime Minister Hariri’s assassination. At the same time, pressure is increasing on the faltering government and sectarian tension is - once again - on the rise. It is a critical time for the future of Lebanon. The FCO still advises against travel, UN soldiers patrol southern cities, de-mining groups attempt to clear the remnants of war and Hezbollah’s militia is still a major force in many parts of the country: hardly the ideal conditions for a cultural renaissance… Can the country succeed in attracting foreign visitors once again?
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