Synopsis
For 37 years, Miguel has been living as an exiled gay in Spain and has become a successful interpreter. In his quest of finding some emotional balance, he decides to return to Lebanon and confront the ghosts of his past.
Miguel’s War portrays a sensitive but self-destructive Lebanese man, strongly oppressed by society all through his youth. In 1982 he decides to participate in Lebanon’s civil war to find a place within society and to prove his family that he can fight like a 'real man'. He fails. Traumatised by his experiences and haunted by an eternal feeling of guilt and shame, Miguel leaves to Spain. It’s only now – more than 30 years after leaving Lebanon – that Miguel is willing to confront himself and the ghosts from his past to finally find emotional balance.
"For telling a fascinating, unique and courageous story of reconstructing one’s identity facing humiliation, oppression and violence, and for its original artistic approach without compromises, the jury awarded this project." [Jury statement, BoschStiftung 2016 Berlinale Talents]
