The Foundation reflects its unwavering commitment to supporting impactful cultural and artistic projects by funding the film In the Shadows of the City (Taif Al-Madina), directed by the late, visionary Lebanese filmmaker Jean Khalil Chamoun. Chamoun distinguished himself through his cinematic works that bravely addressed social and political issues in Lebanon and earning him numerous prestigious awards. 

This Lebanese drama, released in 2000, serves as a poignant testament to the aftermath of the Lebanese Civil War. The film tells the story of Rami, a 12-year-old boy who flees with his family from bombings in southern Lebanon to Beirut in search of refuge. As Rami struggles to find his abducted father, he is forced to confront the challenges of survival, ultimately being forced into joining a militia. 

The film received several prominent awards, including the Al Andalos Satellite Award at the Tetouan Mediterranean Film Festival, the Best Lebanese Film Award at the Beirut Media Festival, the Special Distinction Jury Award at the Carthage Film Festival, and the Prix Special du Jury at the Cannes Junior Festival. 

Acknowledgment of Partners 

This project was made possible through the collaboration of several esteemed institutions, including Programme Med Media, the French Ministry of Culture, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the French National Center for Cinema, the Francophonie Agency, the Monte Verité Foundation, Ainsi que La Doc (Switzerland), the Lebanese Ministry of Culture, the Hubert Bals Fund, Future Television, and Horizon.