Borhane Alaouié, a visionary figure, embarked on a remarkable journey alongside Maroun Baghdadi, revolutionizing the Lebanese film industry and catapulting it to global prominence. This remarkable odyssey began in Paris, where he temporarily resided due to the devastating repercussions of the war in Lebanon, which had a profound impact on his life and creative pursuits. Despite being physically distant from his homeland, his passion for the Arab cause remained unwavering, a constant beacon guiding him through the turbulent times.
As he navigated the complex landscape of his life, Alaouié's fascination with cinema began to take shape, sparked by his deep emotional connection to the plight of Palestine. This burning passion eventually led him to secure sponsorship from the General Foundation for Cinema in Syria, an organization that had a proven track record of supporting and nurturing the creative talents of Arab artists and filmmakers.
Alaouié's most notable work, "Kafr Kassem", was a cinematic masterpiece that told the poignant story of the massacre committed by the Israeli occupation, a subject that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. The film's impact was immediate, as it received widespread critical acclaim, culminating in the prestigious Golden Tanit award at the esteemed Carthage Film Festival. This milestone in Alaouié's career would forever be linked to the film's enduring success, with its haunting score composed by the talented Walid Gholmieh and featuring powerful performances from a talented ensemble cast, including Abdullah Abbasi, Ahmed Ayoub, Salim Sabry, and Shafiq Manfaluti.
Noted film director Alaouié embarked on a significant journey in Belgium, where he pursued his film degree at the prestigious INSAS institution in Brussels. This marked a pivotal moment in his career, as he was the first to tackle the complexities of the Lebanese war of 1975 in his groundbreaking film "Beirut: the Encounter". The film received widespread recognition and acclaim from both the public and critics alike, cementing Alaouié's reputation as a visionary filmmaker.
Throughout his illustrious career, Alaouié has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema with a string of notable titles that have captivated audiences worldwide. Among his most memorable works are "It Is Not Enough for God to Be With the Poor", "A Message from the Time of War", "A Message from the Time of Banishment", and "Aswan and the High Dam" (1990),a poignant tribute to the late Gamal Abdel Nasser, a figure who has long been an inspiration to Alaouié.
Noted film director, Alaouié, was renowned for his steadfast convictions on a wide range of topics, encompassing both the realm of cinema and the broader expanse of life itself. He was unwavering in his commitment to adhering to his deeply held beliefs, refusing to compromise on his values in any capacity. The cinematic works he created were, in every sense, a reflection of his profound thoughts and deeply ingrained convictions.
Furthermore, the Jesuit University in Beirut had the distinct pleasure of recognizing Alaouié as an engaging lecturer for film students, a designation he cherished deeply. He often spoke fondly of the time he spent with these young scholars, stating that it was during this period that he learned an immense amount from them, as they, in turn, learned from him.
