MARAM | مرام
Between Shadow & Light | بين الظل والنور
In 2017, we filmed a short documentary about Maram, a 13-year-old Syrian refugee girl who sold flowers on the streets of Beirut. Two years later, in 2019, we cast her in a short narrative film highlighting the impact of Lebanon’s gender-biased citizenship laws. Her name, Maram, means "Aspiration" in Arabic.
In 2020, we lost contact with Maram. But in late 2024, she reconnected with us and shared the harrowing story of her past four years. What she told us was so devastating that we knew her story had to be told. This led to Maram: Between Shadow & Light, a new documentary filmed in early November 2024, while war raged in the background. This is not an easy film to watch.
To ensure Maram’s story reaches an international audience and, hopefully, someone who can help her, we need to submit the documentary to major film festivals. However, festival submissions come with fees, which is why we are launching this fundraising campaign. This will be an ongoing effort: the more support we receive, the wider the reach. Additionally, once we meet our festival goals, we plan to turn this fund into direct support for Maram herself.
Directed, Edited, Color Graded, & Sound Designed by Samer Beyhum
Produced by Josef Khalouf
Filmed by Sacha Constantin
Music by Yal Solan, Jessica Bou Malhab, Lea Hachem, Hanna Yazbeck, Elie Abou Rjeily, & Carol Abi Ghanem
Watch the previous films
Project Colaborators
Samer Beyhum
Filmmaker, BFC Co-Director & Co-Founder, Lead Instructor
An award-winning Lebanese-Canadian filmmaker, director, sound engineer, editor, educator, and vegan chef whose work is deeply rooted in creating socially impactful content. As a co-founder of the Beirut Film Center (BFC), Samer has dedicated himself to empowering youth through film education, providing tools and opportunities for aspiring filmmakers to tell their stories and address pressing societal issues.
Samer's commitment to advocating for human rights and social justice is evident through his initiatives. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Children’s Rights Festival, a platform amplifying the voices of marginalized children and raising awareness about their rights through the powerful medium of cinema.
Similarly, his work with 99Media, which he co-founded in Canada, aligns with his belief in using art as a catalyst for change, championing stories that challenge societal norms and spark meaningful conversations. With decades of experience in post-production as an editor, colorist, sound designer, and workflow consultant, as well as expertise in live and recorded sound engineering, Samer’s technical skill set complements his creative vision and leadership. His projects often highlight underrepresented voices, with a particular focus on LGBTQ+ issues, refugee experiences, and gender equality, reflecting his unwavering dedication to advancing the human condition.
Beyond the realm of filmmaking, Samer is also a passionate vegan chef. He incorporates sustainability and compassion into his culinary creations, blending traditional Levantine flavors with a modern plant-based approach. This dedication to ethical living further reflects his holistic commitment to a better world. A true initiator of socially relevant projects, Samer’s work bridges education, activism, and artistic innovation. From founding his own film school to inspiring the next generation of storytellers, he continues to use his art and passions to shine a light on the challenges and triumphs of humanity, ensuring that stories of resilience and hope reach audiences worldwide.
Josef Khallouf
Filmmaker, Producer
Based in Beirut, Lebanon, Josef Khallouf has been working in the film industry since 2003. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with renowned directors such as Mounir MaAsri, Nadine Labaki, Philippe Aractingi, Jihane Chouaib, and Soudade Kaadan.
Josef’s impressive track record includes line producing the award-winning short film “Bonboné” at the Moscow International Film Festival in 2018, serving as the executive producer of “Trumpets in the Sky” which won Best Film at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2021, “The Key” nominated for the Grand Jury Award at the South By South West Film Festival in 2023 and “Canary in a Coal Mine” officially selected at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival 2024.
In addition to these accomplishments, Josef has also worked as a production manager on acclaimed feature films such as “The Day I Lost My Shadow” which won Best Debut Film at the Venice Film Festival in 2018, and “Go Home” nominated for Best International Feature Film at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in 2016.
In 2014, Josef established his own production label, “The Film Monk”, through which he continues to push the boundaries of Lebanese cinema by producing and directing innovative cinematic works. Equipped with a passion for storytelling, Josef Khallouf is a driving force in the world of film production.
