Anxious in Beirut is a deeply personal documentary by Zakaria Jaber that unfolds like a diary, chronicling two turbulent years in Lebanon through the lens of revolution, trauma, and protest. As the city reels from political unrest, explosions, and economic collapse, Zakaria grapples with his own persistent anxiety and an unfulfilled desire to leave the country. His narration weaves together intimate reflections and public unrest, capturing Beirut’s fragmented rhythm and the weight of generational tension. Moving between personal and (supposedly) collective memory, the film explores how anxiety permeates everyday life and the spaces people inhabit. In attempting to document the city, Zakaria also searches for coherence within himself, using film as a way to understand both. Anxious in Beirut becomes not only a portrait of a city in crisis but also a meditation on the impossibility of escape and the emotional toll of bearing witness.
Anxious in Beirut was surprisingly vague and aimless, even for a diary-style personal documentary. Because of this personal approach, the film lacks the broader scope and analysis many documentary viewers may be expecting. Including insights from experts or sit-down interviews with protesters outside the filmmaker’s immediate social circle might have added much-needed depth. At times, the perspective felt narrowly upper-middle-class in a way that created some dissonance—especially as the film occasionally suggests it speaks for the entire city. For viewers seeking a singular, introspective take on the recent civil unrest in Beirut, or for those curating a film series on the topic, Anxious in Beirut is a solid addition. However, those looking for more comprehensive educational materials may want to explore other options. Zakaria Jaber’s first documentary shows promise, despite some early missteps, and it will be exciting to see how his voice evolves in future projects. Strong Optional Purchase.
What makes Anxious in Beirut a unique Lebanese protest documentary?
Anxious in Beirut stands out for its intimate, diary-like structure, blending the political and the personal through director Zakaria Jaber’s reflective narration. The film avoids traditional documentary formats, opting instead for an experimental, fragmented approach that mirrors the anxiety and instability of life in Beirut during a time of social upheaval. Jaber's emotional honesty and poetic voiceover create a raw, immersive experience for viewers who appreciate introspective, first-person cinema.
Why should libraries consider adding this Lebanese protest documentary?
For libraries developing collections on Middle Eastern politics, youth activism, or contemporary personal documentaries, Anxious in Beirut offers a valuable—if limited—perspective. While the film may not serve as a comprehensive introduction to Beirut’s protest movements, it offers a compelling look into how personal and political turmoil intersect. It would complement more academic or journalistic films in a curated series on Lebanon, civil unrest, or mental health during conflict. Recommended for institutions with strong global studies or film studies programs, or for libraries serving patrons interested in experimental nonfiction.
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