Philippe Aractingi is a renowned Franco-Lebanese artist, born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1964. He is a director, producer, photographer, and author, known for his work in the film industry.
Aractingi taught himself filmmaking in the late 1970s and early 1980s, despite the lack of audio-visual programs in war-ridden Lebanon. His films have been praised and awarded at various international festivals, including Venice, Dubai, Thessaloniki, Rotterdam, and Sundance.
Some of his notable works include "Bosta" (2005),a critically acclaimed musical that broke box office records in Lebanon, and "Under the Bombs" (2008),a film that explores the Lebanese-Israeli war through the eyes of two fictional characters. His other films, such as "Listen" (2017),have also received critical acclaim and awards.
Aractingi is also a prolific photographer and videographer, having captured scenes of war and life in Beirut since the age of 8. His photography exhibits, such as "Nuit sur Beyrouth" and "Obsession", have showcased the city's evolution over time.
As an author, Aractingi has written books and essays, including "Métier de femme, métier de mère" (1992) and "Heritages" (2014),a documentary-style autobiography that recounts his family's history over four generations.
Throughout his career, Aractingi has received numerous awards and recognition, including the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture in 2018. He is also the co-founder of the Lebanese Cinema Foundation (FLC) and the vice-chairman of the Beirut Screen Institute committee.
