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⚪️ COMPLETED · 2025

THE GUARDIANS OF  MENJEZ'S PAST

The megaliths of Lebanon revealed

Among Lebanon's ancient megaliths — revealing how archaeology and local communities work together to preserve a unique prehistoric heritage and deepen our understanding of early societies.

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ABOUT the film

Lebanon, rich in archaeological remains, hosts the "MEG-A" project co-directed by Dr. Tara Steimer from the University of Geneva. Focused on the impressive megalithic tombs of northern Lebanon in the Menjez region, the project explores the origins of the builders, their emergence in the 4th/3rd millennium BCE, and the role of sponsors in the formation of Levantine city-states.

The documentary project "Guardians of Menjez's Past" delves into this archaeological adventure, capturing passionate scientists exploring these mysterious megaliths. The inhabitants of Menjez play a key role, sharing their vision of the site and contributing to the preservation of heritage. 

 

The ongoing scientific project goes beyond archaeology, embodying a local effort to preserve these necropolises and promote tourism around these precious relics of the past.

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SCREENING & awards

Premiere during the Francophonie Week in Bern— March 2025

Intergrated in the temporary exhibition “Megaliths Here, Megaliths Elsewhere” at the Museum of Prehistory of Lebanon in Beirut— May and June 2025

Continuous screening  at the Menjez Heritage House, Lebanon​ —  Since May 2025

🏛️ Official selection at the International Archaeology Festival of Nyon— September 2025

🎞️Official selection at the FAB! Festival dell'Archeologia di Bacoli — October 2025

🌿 Official selection at the Archaeology Film Festival of Amiens — April 2026

🪨Official selection at the Archaeology Channel International Film Festival— May 2026

🌍 Official selection at the AGON International Meeting of Archaeological Film — May 2026

🎬Official selection  at the Rabat International Festival of Archaeological and Heritage Films— June 2026

PARTNERS & supporters

A huge thank you to all our supporters and partners for this project: the General Fund of the University of Geneva, the Laboratory of Prehistoric Archaeology and Anthropology of the Faculty of Science at the University of Geneva, the Swiss National Science Foundation, the Directorate General of Antiquities of Lebanon, as well as the Embassy of Switzerland in Lebanon and Syria.

🎬Official selection  at the Prehistory Objective Festival— October 2026

Screen this film

This film is available for licensing to schools, universities, museums, NGOs, and cultural institutions. We also organise custom screenings with scientist discussions.

THE FULL film

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