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Philippe Aractingi, a French-Lebanese director and producer, won the Grand Jury Prize at the 24th Bidassoa Archaeological Film Festival for his film Liban, les secrets du royaume de Byblos (Lebanon: Secrets of the Kingdom of Byblos), set to premiere on ARTE in January 2025. A look back at the journey of a passionate and dedicated filmmaker.
Lebanese cinema takes center stage once again with the remarkable achievement of Philippe Aractingi, a French-Lebanese director and producer, who recently won the prestigious Grand Jury Prize at the 24th Bidassoa Archaeological Film Festival (FICAB) in Spain. His film, Liban, les secrets du royaume de Byblos, filmed over two years in 2022 and 2023, chronicles the fascinating archaeological mission at the ancient site of Byblos, co-led by Tania Zaven, an archaeologist from the Lebanese Directorate of Antiquities, and Julien Chanteau, an archaeologist from the Louvre Museum.
Through captivating visuals, viewers are immersed in the meticulous work of archaeologists as they explore a Bronze Age necropolis, preserved until now and filled with an exceptional array of archaeological artifacts. As a poignant testament to Lebanon’s remarkable history and the significance of its cultural heritage, this documentary gains even greater relevance in today’s context, where bombings threaten the nation’s cultural treasures. Philippe Aractingi’s outstanding work underscores the urgent need to protect this invaluable heritage.
Born in Beirut, Philippe Aractingi is a self-taught artist with a passion for imagery from a young age. During the Lebanese Civil War, he began capturing images of his hometown and assisting French journalists as a translator and guide. At just 21 years old, he directed his first documentary, learning the craft on his own in a country where the audiovisual industry was nearly nonexistent. His determination and early talent continued to develop and evolve over the years.
Philippe Aractingi’s cinematic career is defined by a series of notable successes. In 2005, his debut feature film, Bosta, set audience records in Lebanon with 140,000 admissions. Three years later, Sous les bombes (Under the Bombs), shot in the midst of the 2006 war, left a lasting impact with its raw power and authenticity. In 2014, Heritages, an autobiographical work blending documentary and fiction, further cemented his unique vision and distinctive style. In 2017, his fourth feature, Listen, represented Lebanon at the Golden Globes. The film is a contemporary love story between a sound engineer and a model from different social backgrounds. It garnered attention for its provocative sensuality. The film sparked controversy but also won multiple awards, including Best Sound, Best Film and Best Director at the Lebanese Movie Awards.
Alongside his directorial work, Philippe Aractingi founded his own production company, Fantascope Production, in 1989. The company has since produced over 100 films, broadcast on renowned international channels such as Discovery Channel, France 2, France 3 and Arte. This impressive productivity reflects his passion and unwavering commitment to the seventh art.
Philippe Aractingi’s talent has garnered widespread acclaim from the international press. His documentaries and feature films have won over 40 awards at festivals around the world. In 2006 and 2008, Lebanon selected him to represent the country at the Oscars with Bosta and Sous les bombes. This recognition is well-deserved for this exceptional filmmaker, who was named Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters in 2018 by the French Ministry of Culture.
Aractingi’s brilliance extends beyond his art. He is also a passionate advocate for Lebanese cinema, co-founder of la Fondation Liban Cinéma (FLC), and vice-president of the Screen Institute Beirut committee. Through his work, he has established a new style of Lebanese cinema, focused primarily on local audiences rather than Western export. This bold and visionary approach has helped elevate the culture of his country on the global stage.
With Liban, les secrets du royaume de Byblos, Philippe Aractingi has created a new masterpiece that blends scientific precision, breathtaking visuals and deep historical insight. Beyond its success at FICAB, the film conveys a vital message: the urgent need to safeguard Lebanon’s heritage, an irreplaceable testament to the richness and diversity of our civilization. Through this quest, Philippe Aractingi contributes his exceptional talent and unwavering commitment.
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