Beirut, civil war. There are checkpoints, arbitrary executions, car bombs, machine guns, handguns, funeral processions, ambushes, hot heads, vendettas, and revenge. Cruelty and death are everywhere. Akram, who's been studying in Russia, is back in Beirut on holiday and plans to visit his mother in his home village. But can he get there? He spends time with friends in the city; they tell stories of death. Danger is on all sides. Driving down the street may lead to murder. Touches of the surreal appear: are they real, are they dreams? Can Akram survive? If so, at what cost?

The Tornado

Traces the history of Mount Lebanon's Joumblat family from the 17th century to the present, focusing on early-twentieth century leader and politician Nazira Joumblat. Born in 1889, Nazira assumed her place on the throne of the Moukhtara palace in 1923, following the assassination of her husband, Fouad, and the resignation of his brother, Aly Joumblat. She presided over the region as Lady of the Palace for twenty-five years while raising her son Kamal, preparing him to take his place in a long line of Joumblat leaders. Famous for her wisdom and strong personality, Nazira boldly entered the Lebanese political arena at a time when the field was entirely dominated by men. Undaunted, she helped maintain peace and stability in Lebanon for many years, earning the respect of both men and women alike, be they Druze, Maronite or Christian.

Lady of the Palace

The film takes place after the Lebanese Civil War during the 1990s and the Syrian occupation of Lebanon.