Children of Beqaa

'Children of Beqaa' is a heart-rending documentary film from 2018 that manifests the alarming reality of children living as refugees in the Beqaa Valley of Lebanon. This cinematic documentary was directed by Elias Matar, known for his adeptness in accurately portraying harsh realities on film and starring Lyla Matar, delivering an impactful narrative impacting the audience's understanding of the global refugee crisis.

The movie's objective is to bring to light the grave circumstances that are being experienced by the children of Syria in the Beqaa Valley, who have fled their homes due to the devastating Syrian war. Their plight has led them to a life teetering on the precipice of survival with limited resources and conditions far from ideal or nurturing. With a wave of children having lost their homes and many, their families, the grim setting gives rise to poignant tales of struggle, bravery, and resilience.

'Children of Beqaa' is divided into two portions. In the first, the audience is introduced to the children, their living conditions, and the problems they face daily. The documentary paints a disconsolate picture of their existence in refugee tents hastily constructed to provide some level of warmth and safety from the elements. It also highlights the children's aspiration for education, despite the hardships they face.

The second portion focuses on the various parties involved in assisting these children, primarily an English-based charity named Salam LADC, and their sincere yet challenging efforts. The film puts considerable emphasis on the organization's commitment to building schools in the camp, offering these children a hint of normalcy and hope amidst their dire circumstances.

The film navigates through the personal journeys of these children, their experiences, and the myriad challenges they face. The stark reality is depicted through testimonies and interviews; the film doesn't shy away from digging deep into the pain and suffering that these innocent lives have had to endure. Due to the sobering subject matter, the documentary demands a crucial level of audience engagement, creating a sense of empathy and understanding for refugee children who have been completely displaced because of circumstances beyond their control.

Elias Matar's no-nonsense style of filming captures the unadulterated, unsanitized reality of the camps, often rendered invisible to the world outside. His perspective is raw and evokes a depth of emotion that reverberates long after the credits roll. Lyla Matar stands beside him, feeding her mighty voice to the narrative, echoing the urgency of the situation. Their synergy is potent, creating a poignant experience for the audiences.

The film doesn't aim to romanticize the children's plight or provide a fairytale ending to their ordeal. Instead, it shows unfiltered evidence of what's happening in the world to which we often turn a blind eye. This makes it an especially powerful movie, exposing the viewers to the stark reality of the refugee crisis.

"Children of Beqaa" is educational, stirring, and moving. It pushes the audience to think and ponder over the questions related to humanity and the responsibilities that come with it. By spotlighting the children's circumstance in Beqaa Valley, the film hopes to call people to action, whether it's raising awareness, donating, or lending a helping hand.

Comprised of impactful moments and heartfelt narratives, 'Children of Beqaa' is an extremely relevant film that adds an emotive dimension to the stoic headlines seen the world over. The film may not provide solutions, but it stirs a conversation that is crucial in today's world and highlights a harsh reality that can no longer be sidelined.

In the end, 'Children of Beqaa' reinforces the cycle of life - that despite the grim reality, somehow, there is laughter, hope, and an infinitude of spirit especially in the children, the future - a testament to human resilience. This compelling cinematic piece lingers in the heart and mind of the audience, compelling them to act, to help, or at the very least, to not forget.