Bosta

Philippe Aractingi (born 1964) is a Franco-Lebanese filmmaker.

Career

Born and raised in Beirut, Aractingi has made more than 40 films throughout his career, ranging from reports and documentaries to more personal and fictional films, all taking place in various countries around the world. His topics of predilection – identity, immigration, exile and travel – are broadly explored in his fictional work, as well as in his documentaries. A film director with numerous facets, Aractingi finds his originality from his various cultures, which allows him to pass easily from one style to another, from thrilling fantasy to exigent realism. Philippe Aractingi currently lives between Lebanon and France.

Bosta

After 12 years in France, he returned to Lebanon to produce and direct his first feature film “Bosta,” the first post-war musical since the return of peace in Lebanon. To make this film, Aractingi decided to turn to regional investors and created a breakthrough with regards to production in the Middle East. The film was a prime example of a truly independent Lebanese production, and in essence, pushed the Lebanese audience to link back up with their national cinema, which had been asleep during 17 years of civil war. Released in 2005/2006, “Bosta” attracted record level crowds, quickly climbing to the number one slot in the Lebanese box office in 2006 with over 140,000 entries and 22 weeks of screening. “Bosta" has been released in over twenty countries and was selected to represent Lebanon at the 2006 Oscars Academy Awards.

Under the Bombs

In July 2006, as war once again ravaged his country, Aractingi reacted, in the heat of the moment, by shooting his second feature film: “Under the Bombs.” There were only four actors, Nada Abou Farhat, Georges Khabbaz, Rawya El Chab et Bshara Atallah; all of the others, refugees, journalists, military, religious and militants were playing their own role. All were caught in the turmoil and in the ruins of a war-torn Lebanon and all were living with this new tragedy as an intimate part of themselves. Made with urgency, from its conception to its completion, “Under the Bombs” took less than a year to make. Selected to participate in the 64th Venice Film Festival, Sundance and Dubai Film Festivals, the film has won more than 22 prizes so far, including the Human Rights Film Award in Venice, and the Golden Muhr for Best Film and Best actress in the Dubai Film Festival.

Both “Bosta” and “Under the Bombs” have been selected for the Oscar, representing Lebanon. —Wikipedia