Synopsis
Capernaum follows Zain, a 12-year-old Lebanese boy living in the slums of Beirut, who takes his parents to court for giving him life without being able to care for him. Directed by Nadine Labaki, the film is a raw and emotional portrait of childhood poverty, migration, and survival. With stunning performances from non-professional actors, it serves as a powerful indictment of systemic neglect and social inequality.
Did You Know?
- The lead actor Zain Al Rafeea was a real Syrian refugee.
- Director Nadine Labaki cast mostly non-professional actors from the streets.
- The film won the Jury Prize at Cannes 2018.
- Shooting took over six months in Beirut's poorest neighborhoods.
- Zain's real-life story closely mirrors his character's struggles.
Iconic Quotes
- I want to sue my parents for giving me life.
- I wish I was never born. What can I do about it?
- I lived in hell my whole life. What did I do wrong?
- Adults don't listen to us. Nobody asks us anything.
- I want grown-ups who can't care for kids to stop having them.
