Lebanese Film Spotlighting Byblos Heritage Wins Grand Jury Prize

A Lebanese archaeological documentary, titled Lebanon, Secrets of the Kingdom of Byblos, has been awarded the Grand Jury Prize at the 24th FICAB, the Festival of Archaeological Cinema in Bidassoa, Spain.

Directed by award-winning Franco-Lebanese writer Philippe Aractingi, the documentary was filmed over two years (2022–2023). It follows Lebanese-Armenian archaeologist Tania Zaven—Byblos site manager and regional director of North Mount Lebanon at the Ministry of Culture, Directorate General of Antiquities—alongside the Louvre Museum’s Julien Chanteau as they conduct an excavation in Byblos, one of the oldest cities in the world.

The documentary showcases the discovery of a remarkably intact Bronze Age necropolis and highlights the extraordinary archaeological findings uncovered during the excavation. It captures the step-by-step process of the excavation, emphasizing the significance of Byblos in Lebanon’s history and cultural heritage.

The documentary will also be competing at the Beirut Art Film Festival on November 25.

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