As a film enthusiast who has witnessed the raw power of cinema in bridging divides and igniting conversations, I find myself captivated by the profound narrative of “To Close Your Eyes and See Fire.” Having traveled through the labyrinthine streets of Beirut, I have felt the city’s resilience firsthand. Yet, this documentary takes us on a journey beyond the vibrant facade, delving deep into the collective trauma that still lingers in the hearts and minds of its people.


Taskovski Films has acquired the rights for the documentary titled “To Close Your Eyes and See Fire,” helmed by directors Nicola von Leffern and Jakob Carl Sauer. This film is set to debut for the first time on the international scene at the Zurich Film Festival.

The movie portrays the consequences of the blast in Beirut, reducing the city to rubble. Deep emotional scars emerge. What pathways lead to survival and prosperity following such devastation? (Paraphrased)

The movie spans over three years and focuses on the lives of five main characters: Aya, a Syrian refugee girl; Selim, an activist and artist; the Aladdin family, who are dealing with a terrible loss; Yasmin, working at a suicide prevention hotline; and Andrea, who holds onto her hope for change in the city. Simultaneously, a fire burns slowly in the silos of the port, serving as a reminder of potential danger or a call to action: should we stay or go?

The movie is helmed by Jakob Carl Sauer and Nicola von Leffern from Golden Girls Filmproduction, with production assistance also coming from Peter Drössler, Arash T. Riahi, and Sabine Gruber.

As a movie reviewer, I’m thrilled to share my thoughts on this gripping documentary that delves deep into the heart of Beirut following the devastating explosion. Instead of merely chronicling the destruction, this film probes the lingering mysteries and accountability gaps that continue to plague the city.

The movie received funding from ORF Film/Television Agreement, the Federal Ministry for Arts and Culture (BMKÖS), the Cultural Department of the City of Vienna (MA7), and the Screenwriters Forum Vienna/Scriptlab.

Read More

2024-09-26 10:16