Beirut-based filmmaker Lana Daher has released her debut feature documentary, "Do You Love Me," which serves as an ode to the Lebanese people.
The film provides a critical lens into the collective courage of residents in Beirut, reflecting the director's personal connection to the city. By documenting the intersection of love and resilience, the project highlights the enduring spirit of a population facing systemic challenges.
Daher spent six years [1] conducting research for the project. This extensive process involved reviewing thousands of hours [1] of footage to shape the narrative of the city and its inhabitants.
The documentary achieved significant international visibility through its distribution. It made its U.S. premiere in March 2024 [2] at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival. Following this debut, the film secured distribution across the U.S. and Canada [2].
Daher said the work is a reflection of her love for Beirut. The film focuses on the strength of the community, a theme central to her directorial vision for the feature.
Throughout the production, Daher balanced the vast amount of gathered material with a specific emotional goal. The resulting documentary aims to capture the essence of Lebanese courage through a personal and cinematic lens.
“An ode to the collective courage of the Lebanese people”
The international distribution and SXSW premiere of 'Do You Love Me' signal a growing global interest in Lebanese narratives that move beyond traditional conflict reporting. By focusing on resilience and emotional connection, Daher's work contributes to a cinematic archive of Beirut's social fabric, shifting the perspective from external crisis to internal strength.
