Libya’s once-thriving cinema scene has been revitalized by a determined filmmaker, Mouayed Zabtia, who is working to overcome the obstacles that led to the disappearance of cinemas and filmmaking in the country. Prior to Muammar Gaddafi’s 1969 coup, Tripoli was home to over 20 movie theaters, but today, none remain. The censorship and disinterest that followed Gaddafi’s rule have had a lasting impact, with underinvestment and a lack of public support hindering the industry’s revival.
Zabtia, a 47-year-old filmmaker, has taken it upon himself to fund his own productions, using revenue from his production company to create television series and wedding videos. His latest project, “1986,” is a film inspired by true events, including the estrangement of pioneering singer Ahmed Fakroun after Gaddafi cracked down on Western-influenced music. The film is being shot in a studio at Zabtia’s Tripoli home, where he oversees everything from lighting and sound to costumes.
Despite the challenges, Zabtia believes that cinema can play a crucial role in addressing social issues and promoting cultural understanding. He notes that portraying women on screen is particularly difficult, but insists that it is “impossible to make a film without women when it comes to telling a story.” Zabtia hopes that his work will help to develop and highlight Libyan talent and skills, and reach audiences overseas through platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
In recent years, there have been efforts to revive Libya’s film industry, including the creation of the Libyan Film Institute in 2021 and the screening of Libyan films at international festivals. “Freedom Fields,” a documentary by Libyan-British director Naziha Arebi, was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2018, and “Donga,” a film by Muhannad Lamin, was shown at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam in 2023.
Zabtia’s determination to revitalize Libya’s cinema scene is a testament to the power of film to bring people together and promote cultural understanding. As he works to overcome the obstacles that have hindered the industry’s growth, his story serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting cultural heritage, even in the face of adversity. With the help of platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, Zabtia hopes to reach a wider audience and share Libyan stories and culture with the world.
