Marathon Beirut - For the Love of Lebanon

Product Description Despite the devastation and political upheaval in Lebanon after the July 2006 Israeli invasion, the Beirut Marathon Association chose to move forward with their November event. However, five days before the race was set to begin, government minister Pierre Gemayel was assassinated. The country went into three days of national mourning, with thousands gathering in downtown Beirut as an expression of both grief and unity. After much deliberation, the Marathon Association again decided to go ahead with their event. When further political hurdles and delays materialized, there was mounting concern that the Lebanese people might be fearful of taking part in the marathon yet more than 22,000 people showed up to participate in the 5km, 10km and 42km races, with For the Love of Lebanon as the event's inspirational theme. DVD Features: Trailer Audio: Arabic, English Subtitles: English Review Marathon Beirut was an excellent documentary out of Lebanon. The film focuses on the production of the Beirut Marathon in 2006. Lebanon has been a country mired in the chaos of Middle Eastern politics and the people of the country have often been caught in between warring fractions. The film avoids becoming a political or historical documentary. It doesn't bother with catching the viewers up on the history of Lebanon or even care to engage in any in depth conversation over modern Lebanese politics, which is much to its credit. Mainly because the film focuses on the people, the people putting on the event and in their eyes and their actions the weight of Lebanese history is seen, yet with hope, with untarnished hope. Tragedy struck the nation right before the race and political fires began to burn bright, but the viewer is treated to seeing people who were unwilling to give up on an event that holds such national hope, pride, and peace. Don't fear this film if you are worried about subtitles as most of the people speak English throughout the film, making it fairly American friendly. A great film about a great people persevering. --Otis Salondo About the Director DEBORAH HARSE In her insightful and inspiring documentary about the staging of the 2006 Beirut Marathon, director Deborah Harse perfectly captures the chaos, determination and ultimate rewards of keeping the annual Lebanese event alive in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.