In the 1960s, the Libyan capital had more than 20 cinemas.
Today, none remain. Directors like Mouayed Zabtia are trying to resurrect the seventh art, despite state indifference and social taboos. In his improvised studio, Mouayed is filming "1986", a film inspired by real events, including the exile of singer Ahmed Fakroun, A 100% self-financed project, like all his films.
My goal is to highlight Libyan creative work and reveal the talents of our artists, actors, directors, sound technicians, makeup artists, and many others. I dream that international audiences will discover them, and that our local productions will gain worldwide recognition, he explains.
Today, it is indifference that is killing Libyan cinema. According to directors like Mouyed, the problem is also the total disinterest of governments since 2011, yet talents exist, including among women, who are often invisible.
Representing women on screen remains taboo. Additionally, many female talents are afraid to show off. However, women dare. Like Naziha Arebi, a Libyan-British director whose documentary Freedom Fiedls about Libyan footballers, was selected in Toronto in 2018. Another film "Donga", about the 2011 revolution, was seen in Amsterdam.
In Libya, making cinema is an act of resistance. Resistance against forgetting, against taboos, and above all... against indifference. For Mouayed, Mohammed, and all those who still believe in the power of images, the fight has only just begun.
