Awake, a new Lebanese series

A couple of years ago, Zeenat and I were having coffee at Beirut Souks, at our usual hang out (Grid), when we met with our friend Mo.

Mo ( Mohamad Fathallah- Momo as I like to call him!) was telling us about this new project he was working on ( he comes from a family who’s been in the film industry for generations now, and he’s one of the producers-distributors of Khalil Gebran’s The Prophet). He was saying he’s working on a Lebanese series that will be a first of its kind for Lebanon- as we believe in him, we had no doubt that is was going to be something new ( and he promised I’d be an extra in it..)

Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago, to when Momo sends me an invite to the private screening of AWAKE- and so I went, with no expectations whatsoever. Little did I know that I was going to be immediately interested and very much into the story. Two episodes later and I was left speechless, with an immense feeling of pride and happiness, and I couldn’t wait to watch the rest ( still waiting Momo- I hope I get an advantage being your friend!) I gave Mazen Fayad ( Mazen is the Director !) a hug. I am not a big fan of Lebanese series, but that wasn’t the case with Awake. Mazen did a superb job directing Awake- there are moments when I could see emotions ( and this was at 11 AM on a Wednesday morning)

So, what’s it about?

It’s the story of a girl, who gets injured really bad after the assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, and she ends up in a coma. She wakes up 12 years later and… and then you have to watch it!

What I loved about it?

The Script- I found it interesting, I love how Nadia Tabbara (who is the creator of the show!) took a major moment from our history, took a personal moment from it and made a scenario around it. It made me think of all the people who got injured and are still suffering since that day.

The Acting- I felt it was closer to real life than acting.

The Direction- that goes without saying.

I hope to see Awake real soon on TV as it’s the type of Lebanese series televisions

should be looking for.