Libyan filmmaker struggles to revive cinema amid instability
In Libya, filmmaker Mouayed Zabtia is striving to breathe life back into a once-thriving cinema scene in Tripoli. Before the 1969 coup that brought Muammar Gaddafi to power, the Libyan capital boasted more than 20 movie theaters—today, not a single one remains.
Zabtia shoots most of his latest film in a studio he built at home, working with a small team on sets, lighting, and sound. His film, set in the 1980s, explores the lives of young Libyans navigating fear and seeking freedom, inspired by real events including the exile of singer Ahmed Fakroun.
Despite the fall of Gaddafi in 2011, decades of censorship and political instability have left Libya’s cultural landscape fragile. External filming is difficult due to security concerns, and societal conservatism sometimes restricts creative expression, particularly for women actors.
Zabtia finances his projects independently and sees hope in global streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, which could help bring Libyan productions to international audiences, compensating for the lack of local theaters. While festivals have occasionally showcased Libyan films abroad, the revival of domestic cinema remains a daunting challenge.
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