Why do they speak French? About Lebanese cinema and French diplomacy

Abstract

A substantial number of Lebanese films feature characters who speak French. While the inclusion of these characters is often justified at the narrative level, in certain instances, their presence cannot be solely explained by the narrative and appears to be more attributable to the context of the production of these films, particularly due to the dependence of Lebanese cinema on French funding. Many filmmakers have connected the use of the French language to the conditions set by French funds. However, it is noteworthy that these funds seldom explicitly mandate the use of French. A closer examination of this phenomenon reveals an implicit set of guidelines imposed by French funders, facilitated through French diplomatic institutions, and a tendency among some Lebanese filmmakers to conform to these expectations.