Nidal al-Achkar, the director of Yunan Ameer Fakher Eldin and Georges Khabbaz, before the film's premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival, on Feb. 19, 2025. (Credit: Berlin International Film Festival)
She was the indispensable figure of theater in Lebanon. But this time, she was appearing on the big screen. Nidal al-Achkar knew how to be where one least expected her. This was how she joined actor and screenwriter Georges Khabbaz, who plays the role of Mounir, the hero of the film Yunan, in which she plays his mother. Screened for its world premiere as part of the official competition of the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, this film, directed by Ameer Fakher Eldin, was a reflection on exile and identity. A story where the compelling voice of Achkar and her acting lead the viewer to confront their own sense of belonging. In an unreserved conversation with L'Orient-Le Jour, she reflected on her relationship with cinema and theater.How did the project of "Yunan" come to you?Georges Khabbaz called me to inform me...
She was the indispensable figure of theater in Lebanon. But this time, she was appearing on the big screen. Nidal al-Achkar knew how to be where one least expected her. This was how she joined actor and screenwriter Georges Khabbaz, who plays the role of Mounir, the hero of the film Yunan, in which she plays his mother. Screened for its world premiere as part of the official competition of the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, this film, directed by Ameer Fakher Eldin, was a reflection on exile and identity. A story where the compelling voice of Achkar and her acting lead the viewer to confront their own sense of belonging. In an unreserved conversation with L'Orient-Le Jour, she reflected on her relationship with cinema and theater.How did the project of "Yunan" come to you?Georges Khabbaz called me to inform me...
