Synopsis
In a world where social media has distorted reality and skewed expectations, the concept of
traditional relationships is challenged. This documentary offers intimate access to the daily lives
of diverse couples, portraying raw authentic love, the many meanings of partnership, and how
growth can happen together. We explore the complexity of relationships, the joys, and more
importantly the struggles that shape a couple but break another. The documentary is
interspersed with expert interviews that shed light on the dynamics of modern commitment and
how coupling has evolved through the years. We are invited to reflect on the meaning of human
connection today, and to try to understand each other, and our own experiences, a little better.
Director’s note
My life has been a series of connections. As the world evolved around me in the blink of an eye,
I found myself adapting to changing ideas around the meaning of love. With the dating world
becoming so fast-paced, with endless options and candidates at the tip of our fingers on our
phones, how are we expected to make relationships last? Why has giving up become so easy?
And so I set out to capture the raw reality of modern-day relationships; the idyllic and romantic
moments contrasted with the struggle and the hard work that go into building a partnership
against all odds. I know love is magical, but magic comes with a lot of learning, and a lot of
compromise. I wanted this film to show the importance of choice in relationships, the
significance of getting up every day and choosing to put in the effort. Love isn’t always sparks
and butterflies; when the honeymoon period is over, the real work begins.
Each couple featured in this documentary shows a different facet to a common reality, that while
the journey of love may have its challenges, facing them together allows us to say “forever”.
We all know by now it takes two to tango. There are no rules. Love is a battlefield. And
sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you fail, and that’s okay. Walking away sometimes
means leaving a toxic situation behind, and I wanted to show that in the documentary as well.
I hope that this film inspires viewers to lift the rose-colored glasses we all wear when we fall in
love. I hope they can walk out and look at their partners as the human beings they are, full of
flaws and imperfections, but also full of ideas, and empathy, and quirks, and needs. I hope we
can all start approaching our relationships with more patience, understanding, and the
willingness to put in the effort needed to make it work.

The documentary opens with a montage of scenes showcasing the diversity of couple
relationships – young love, seasoned partnerships, mature couples, inter-religious relationships,
and more. The narrator’s voice sets the stage for the exploration of love, partnership, and the
complexities that come with them.
Chapter 1: The Reality of Love
We dive into the daily lives of several couples, each with their own unique story to tell. We
witness the joys, struggles, and mundane moments that define their relationships. Through
intimate interviews and observational footage, viewers get a glimpse into the complexities of
modern love.
Chapter 2: Navigating Challenges
The documentary dives into the challenges couples face, from communication breakdowns to
financial stressors, cultural differences, and conflicting priorities. We hear firsthand accounts
from couples who have weathered storms together, as well as insights from relationship
specialists who provide guidance on navigating these challenges.
Chapter 3: The Work of Love
Contrary to popular belief, sustaining a healthy relationship requires effort and dedication. This
chapter explores the daily work that goes into nurturing love and maintaining a strong
partnership. Through their journey and interviews, couples share their strategies for keeping the
spark alive, prioritizing quality time, and resolving conflicts with empathy and understanding.
Chapter 4: Facing Realities
The documentary confronts the harsh realities of toxic relationships and acknowledges that
sometimes, despite our best efforts, love may not be enough. Viewers hear from individuals who
have experienced the pain of heartbreak and separation, as well as experts who provide
insights on recognizing and extricating oneself from unhealthy dynamics.
Chapter 5: Embracing Imperfection
In a society that often idealized perfection, this chapter celebrates the beauty of imperfection in
relationships. Couples open up about their flaws, insecurities, and moments of vulnerability,
illustrating that love is messy, complicated, and deeply human. Through acceptance and
forgiveness, they find strength in their imperfections and grow closer as a result.
Conclusion
As the documentary draws to a close, the narrator reflects on the journey we’ve taken together –
one filled with laughter, tears, and moments of connection. While we may not have all the
answers or solutions, we’ve been privileged to witness the authenticity and resilience of couples
who have shared their stories with us. As viewers, we’re invited to continue reflecting on our

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own relationships and evolving our understanding of love, knowing that the journey is ongoing
and the destination is ever-changing.
Closing Credits
The documentary concludes with a montage of scenes from the couples featured, accompanied
by a heartfelt soundtrack that captures the essence of love in all its complexity. Viewers are left
with a sense of hope, inspiration, and a renewed appreciation for the rawness of human
connection.
Couples Profile
In this documentary, we explore the several aspects of love and relationships. Through
meticulous selection, we’ve brought together couples from diverse range of ages, experiences,
and journeys. Each story is a testament to the complexity and beauty of human connection,
offering raw and unfiltered insights into what it means to be truly “Together.”
A couple is like water, with a surface and a depth. The surface is often deceptive. The depth
reveals the true view. When in a relationship, one must reach out to the other. Love becomes a
movement towards another.

1. Mona Mardelli & Georges Assaf
   Mona and Georges have been married for over 40 years, their story began in the early
   seventies while still college students. What started as a passionate love affair turned into a
   lifelong commitment, despite Mona’s intense jealousy and Georges’ demanding career as a
   prominent lawyer. Their journey is a rollercoaster of emotions, highlighting how love can endure
   through the toughest of trials.
2. Anita Babikian & Jean Carrau
   Anita and Jean’s story is just as interesting. Married in the 90s in New York after previous
   marriages, their love transcended different backgrounds, cultures, and religions. Anita, once a
   financial sector influencer, has reinvented herself today as a yoga teacher, bringing a serene
   balance to their vibrant, multi-faceted life. Jean is a talented architect. Their journey had also its
   share of challenges, including moments that tested their trust and commitment, but their
   relationship has only deepened over time.
3. Mira Abou Jaoudé & Joud Charafeddine
   Mira is in charge of the communication department of a reputable fashion designer. Joud is an
   entrepreneur.
   Mira and Joud’s marriage has been tested by the most severe trials. One of them being the
   struggle they endure to have a child in vain. But their bond was forged even more in the face of

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adversity, particularly through Mira’s courageous battle against cancer. Their story is a powerful
testament to love’s ability to heal and strengthen in the face of overwhelming odds.

4. Maya Eid & Halim Massrouaa
   Married for 16 years with three children, Maya and Halim’s story is marked by early marriage,
   the struggle of maintaining a successful career and her role as a mother. The tragic loss of
   Halim’s brother added up to their challenges. Their tale is one of resilience, highlighting the
   strength that comes from confronting and overcoming pain, fear and grief.
5. Amani Hassan & Rami Kawkab
   Amani and Rami’s relationship started as a meeting of minds and grew into a robust marriage.
   Rami, an AI specialist, and Amani, an artist, have navigated their journey without the traditional
   support systems. Their love story is a modern-day fairy tale of intellectual and emotional
   synergy, overcoming societal expectations and financial constraints.
6. Nesrin Zreik & Aiman Kaissouni
   Nesrin and Aiman are public figures in the Mena region, their professional personas mirroring
   their real-life relationship. This intriguing parallel between their on-screen characters and their
   actual bond offers a unique perspective on love and identity in the public eye. Their story
   explores the interplay of fame and intimacy.
   Carmen Dalessio
   Carmen D’Alessio, the indomitable Queen of the Nightlife and a living New York legend, brings
   a fascinating counter-narrative. A close friend of Andy Warhol and creator of Studio 54, Carmen
   has been married and divorced three times. Her belief in love, but not in marriage, challenges
   conventional notions of romantic fulfillment and offers a riveting look at alternative paths to
   happiness.
   Through each couple’s story, this documentary reveals intimate details and the ways they
   navigated their most personal struggles. “Together” offers a universal message that speaks to
   every human being, highlighting the resilience, love, and complexity inherent in all relationships.
   By showcasing these diverse experiences, we aim to captivate, inspire, and provoke thought,
   making it a must-watch for audiences

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Note of Intent
You open up your phone, you scroll. Idealistic weddings, expensive vacations, sunsets and
wine. You look at your own life, why doesn’t it look like that? Social media has brought us so far
from the reality of love and relationships. The reality is love is messy, love is hard work.
This film seeks to peel back the layers of superficiality and dig into the raw, unfiltered truths of
what it means to be a couple.
Our intention with this documentary is twofold: we wanted to offer an unfiltered look into diverse
relationships, the humanity of sharing your life with someone, the joy, the pain, the compromise.
On another hand, we also hoped to get people talking, to push them to explore their dynamics
with their partners, and remember that human beings are complex creatures with complex
needs, and that love is work.
Couples portrayed in the film will take viewers through the entire range of emotions. Their raw
testimonials will reflect the human experience of connection, hope, fears, abandonment, and
commitment.
But the documentary goes beyond mere observation; it serves as a platform for reflection and
dialogue. Interviews with specialists and findings from research studies will help viewers
understand their own relationships, learn how to navigate their partner’s needs, and identify
when it is time to walk away from something that harms them.
We hope that this documentary sparks conversations about love, vulnerability, and the
importance of hard work in relationships. Love is a leap of faith. We don’t have the answers or
the solutions. We have the knowledge that while the labor of understanding another is
sometimes daunting, it’s also one of the most beautiful aspects of the human experience.
Sharing your life with another person is major. We hope that this film helps viewers navigate
love a little better, while appreciating their partners and themselves.

Zalfa Assaf

For nine days, Beirut becomes a meeting point for filmmakers looking at the world from radically different distances.The 21st edition of Écrans du Réel Doc Screens opens today, September 16, at Metropolis Cinema, and runs until September 24, bringing together a wide-ranging selection of international and Lebanese documentaries that move between personal histories, political realities, memory, displacement, family, culture, the environment and the landscapes people call home.Rather than fitting its programme into a single thematic box, the festival builds its identity through contrast.

A film can begin with a family photograph and lead into questions of exile. Another can enter the aftermath of war through a damaged landscape. Elsewhere, a personal archive becomes a historical record, an unfinished building becomes a vessel for memory, or a musician’s work becomes a way of measuring years of upheaval.The opening film establishes that range from the outset.

Raoul Peck’s Orwell: 2+2=5, screening tonight at 7:30 PM, revisits George Orwell through his writings, archival material and the political world that shaped his thinking. The BAFTA-winning filmmaker approaches the author of 1984 and Animal Farm through questions of power, language, surveillance and the manipulation of truth. The film was nominated for the L’Œil d’or at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and received the Bronze Star in the Feature Documentary Competition at El Gouna Film Festival 2025.

The programme then travels through stories in which the personal and the political are often inseparable.In Zahraa Ghandour’s Flana, the disappearance of a childhood friend in Baghdad opens a journey involving memory, family and the stories of women abandoned by their families.

Papa and Gaddafi follows Jihan as she investigates the disappearance of her father, Mansour Rashid Al-Kikhia, the peaceful Libyan opposition figure who vanished in 1993, while retracing her mother Bahaa Al-Omari’s 19-year search for him. The investigation becomes, in turn, a search for a Lebanese-born daughter’s own connection to her Libyan identity.

Lebanese filmmaking occupies a substantial place in the selection. Joud Bazoun’s 66 Days returns to her southern village after the 2024 war. In Rayan Bassam’s One Verse for All, Abbas, Abdullah and Ali move among the remains of the destroyed Martyrs’ Kindergarten in Ainata.

Mohammad Taleb’s Am I the Target? follows a young man living alone in Beirut after his family relocates to Baalbek for safety, turning displacement into a deeply personal confrontation with home and belonging. And Anis Nassereddine’s Even the Stones Flew Away considers how successive cycles of violence become embedded in places and collective memory.

Other films approach conflict through the people who document it.In Mohammad Nassar’s More Than a Witness, a paramedic carries a camera alongside his medical equipment until the moment arrives when filming must give way to saving a life.

Sean Murray’s Journacide: The War on Truth examines the targeting of journalists in Lebanon and Gaza while connecting the question of documenting truth to Murray’s experience in Belfast. Abbas Fahdel’s Tales of the Wounded Land returns to southern Lebanon, observing a landscape marked by destruction and a community attempting to rebuild everyday life. The film won Best Director in the International Competition at the 2025 Locarno Film Festival.

The festival’s programme also makes room for stories in which the consequences of displacement or conflict emerge indirectly.In Carla Awad’s In Between, plants left behind by displaced people become traces of the people who once cared for them.

Hassan Chami’s A Village Out of Frame turns to an archive of photographs from his southern Lebanese village after he becomes unable to return. And in Firas Al-Hallak’s Dome Sessions, the unfinished Oscar Niemeyer dome in Tripoli becomes the setting for a film built around sound, its extraordinary 23-second echo transforming architecture into an experience of memory.

Elsewhere, the camera moves toward lives shaped by love, migration and cultural inheritance.Janay Boulos and Abd Alkader Habak’s Birds of War draws on 13 years of personal archives to revisit love, revolution and exile.

Marlene Edoyan’s A Fire There follows three Armenian friends in southern Georgia negotiating the space between inherited traditions and the freedom to determine their own futures.

In Tamara Kotevska’s The Tale of Silyan, the life of farmer Nikola becomes connected to that of an injured white stork, bringing together economic migration and climate change.

The programme extends further into environmental and cultural questions. Adam Shamseddine’s The Thirsty City examines Lebanon’s water crisis and is followed by a discussion on infrastructure, accountability and the future of the sector.

Sami Baloughi’s L’arbre de l’authenticité traces the remains of an agricultural research centre in Congo, linking its history to colonial legacy and climate change.

And in Lama Tawk’s For a Future That May or May Not Be, Lebanese musicians become the protagonists of a story about making and sustaining music through decades of political and social upheaval, from the Lebanese Civil War to the conflicts of recent years.

Family provides another route through the festival. Zeina Saad’s My Mother Who Never Grew Up reconstructs the presence of a mother through her voice and old photographs.

Namir Abdel Messeeh’s Life After Siham begins with the death of his mother and expands into an exploration of family history between Egypt and France, bringing together cinema, exile and love. The film, which received two awards at El Gouna Film Festival 2025 and was nominated for the L’Œil d’or at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, closes the festival on September 24.Taken together, the selection reflects one of documentary cinema’s most distinctive possibilities: the ability to move between the intimate and the historical without separating the two.A missing person can become a story about identity.

A photograph can become an archive. A village can become a memory. A building can speak through its silence. A song can carry the weight of decades.And across nine days at Metropolis Cinema, Écrans du Réel places these different ways of seeing alongside one another, allowing each film to create its own encounter with reality.

Écrans du Réel – Doc Screens, 21st EditionSeptember 16–24, 2026Metropolis Cinema, Beirut.

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