Australian Premiere

Set in Beirut during the summer of 1976, Stray Bullet introduces us to Noha, a 30-something woman, who is about to be married. As relieved as her parents are now that the threat of spinsterhood has lifted, Noha realises that she has no feelings for her fiancé. To worsen the situation, a former lover of Noha’s suddenly reappears, sending the lives of all involved into a dizzying freefall. As Noha’s life descends into an emotional maelstrom the tension inside and outside the family ratchets up to breaking point.

This poignant psychological story moves briskly through its core drama, propelled by a stand-out performance from Nadine Labaki as Noha, as well as a strong supporting cast. Director Georges Hachem cleverly juggles the parallel intimacy of the family drama with the wider picture of a city at war, capturing the close, tense atmosphere of wartime Beirut.

FESTIVALS

• First Prize Muhr Arab Feature, Dubai International Film Festival 2010
• British Film Institute, London, 2010

Watch the trailer