BEATING HEARTS (2020)

Short Documentary, 16 Mins, Lebanon / UK

Produced by the BBC

The Karantina Hospital houses one of only two paediatric departments in Lebanon. It is a safe haven for ill babies unable to get treatment elsewhere. In 2014, this ward was established via the charitable work of ASSAMEH Birth & Beyond. Sadly, on the 4th August 2020 the hospital was badly damaged in the Beirut port explosion forcing it to shut down and relocate to a temporary location.

This short film takes us into the hospital a couple of months before the explosion to meet the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to help sick and vulnerable children. Through their struggle and dedication, we see the fragility of the Lebanese healthcare system in relation to its weak economy and precarious work force as well as the altruism of the Lebanese people, offering glimmers of life to ill, sometimes neglected and hopeless, babies.

Cinematography by Joe Saadeh // Additional photography Mark Khalife

Music by Mme Chandelier

Sound Rawad Hobeika, Cedric Kayem

Grading Belal Hibri Lucid Post

& with the invaluable help of Mounia Akl

_STAY_AWAKE_200615_27_Conformed.jpg