Capernaum

At its core, Capernaum follows Zain, a sharp tongued street kid growing up amid hardship in modern Beirut. After fleeing a neglectful home and slipping into trouble that lands him in a harsh juvenile system, he refuses to accept the fate laid before him. Through a restless, observational lens, we watch him challenge the world that has failed him, turning a private pain into a public case. The film tracks his improvisational survival, from crowded sidewalks and crowded apartments to moments of vulnerability that reveal his intelligence and stubborn resilience. This is a protest against broken systems and a plea for a chance to be seen. Its brisk pace and focus on everyday survival make it feel urgent and true.

Directed by Nadine Labaki, film unfolds from an original screenplay by Labaki with Georges Khabbaz and Michelle Keserwany. It stars Zain Al Rafeea as Zain, Yordanos Shifera as Rahil, Boluwatife Treasure Bankole as Yonas, and Fadi Kamel Yousef as Selim.

Worldwide the film grossed 64,978,931 dollars against a 4,000,000 dollar budget, illustrating strong international appeal for a Lebanese drama and the effectiveness of intimate storytelling. Its reception extended beyond festival circuits into art-house cinemas and streaming platforms around the globe.

It won the Jury Prize at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, marking Labaki's bold return to the festival's main competition. It also earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, underscoring its critical reach. Critics highlighted Labaki's patient direction and the film's unflinching empathy that resonates across borders.

Critics praised its unflinching look at poverty and child welfare, and Labaki's humane direction that keeps the camera close enough to feel the boy's gravity and wit. The film centers on a child's resilience amid systemic neglect, urging audiences to rethink the rights and dignity owed to every young life.