Beating Hearts (2020)

A short documentary on the Karantina hospital in Beirut.

Beating Hearts (2020) poster

The Karantina Hospital houses one of only two paediatric departments in Lebanon. It is a safe haven for ill babies unable to get treatment elsewhere. In 2014, this ward was established via the charitable work of ASSAMEH Birth & Beyond. Sadly, on the 4th August 2020 the hospital was badly damaged in the Beirut port explosion forcing it to shut down and relocate to a temporary location. This short film takes us into the hospital a couple of months before the explosion to meet the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to help sick and vulnerable children. Through their struggle and dedication, we see the fragility of the Lebanese healthcare system in relation to its weak economy and precarious work force as well as the altruism of the Lebanese people, offering glimmers of life to ill, sometimes neglected and hopeless, babies.

Director: Cyril Aris
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 16 min
Release Date:
Music: Anthony Sahyoun
Cinematography: Joe Saade
Editing: Cyril Aris
Production: BBC
Country: Lebanon, United Kingdom
Language: العربية
Original Language: ar
More Films by Director: Cyril Aris
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Beating Hearts about?
The Karantina Hospital houses one of only two paediatric departments in Lebanon. It is a safe haven for ill babies unable to get treatment elsewhere. In 2014, this ward was established via the charitable work of ASSAMEH Birth & Beyond. Sadly, on the 4th August 2020 the hospital was badly damaged in the Beirut port explosion forcing it to shut down and relocate to a temporary location. This short film takes us into the hospital a couple of months before the explosion to meet the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to help sick and vulnerable children. Through their struggle and dedication, we see the fragility of the Lebanese healthcare system in relation to its weak economy and precarious work force as well as the altruism of the Lebanese people, offering glimmers of life to ill, sometimes neglected and hopeless, babies.
Who directed Beating Hearts?
Beating Hearts was directed by Cyril Aris.
How long is Beating Hearts?
Beating Hearts has a runtime of 16m (16 minutes).
What genre is Beating Hearts?
Beating Hearts is a Documentary film.
Where was Beating Hearts produced?
Beating Hearts was produced in Lebanon, United Kingdom.