MAD World has obtained the worldwide distribution rights for Sylvie Ballyot’s documentary “Green Line,” which is set to vie for the Golden Leopard at the Locarno Film Festival. The documentary, co-written by Ballyot and Fida Bizri, employs miniature replicas of Beirut and figurines to depict Bizri’s experiences growing up during the Lebanese Civil War from 1975 to 1990.
By using these models, Bizri engages with former militiamen from West Beirut who played dual roles as protectors and sources of fear during her childhood. She also encounters individuals from East Beirut, the opposing side, and these impartial meetings provide a more comprehensive view of the war.
Ballyot and producer Céline Loiseau highlighted that children who grow up in conflict zones often face challenges in reconciling with their past, which impacts their future. They emphasize that only by confronting and coming to terms with their experiences can they truly move forward towards a better life.
“Green Line” seeks to contribute personal narratives to the broader discourse on a conflict typically presented in generalized terms. The film will be released in Arabic-speaking markets by MAD Distribution, an arm of the Cairo-based MAD Solutions, dedicated to showcasing Arab stories globally.
Colin Brown, co-president of MAD World, commended “Green Line” as an innovative form of non-fiction storytelling that revisits recent history and personal memories without depending solely on archival footage.
The film, a French-Lebanese collaboration, has received backing from various organizations including France’s CNC and Qatar’s Doha Film Institute. Ballyot, an alumna of Fémis film school, not only directed and co-edited the documentary but also composed its music, adding to her repertoire of works that explore both personal and collective themes.