El Arena

Unfolding against the backdrop of a turbulent political climate, the finest rappers in the Arab-speaking world gather in Beirut, hoping to be crowned King of the Battle.

The political situation in Beirut was already unstable before recent events saw further chaos in the Lebanese capital. Filmed over several years – and against this turbulent backdrop – filmmaker Jay B. Jammal follows Arena organisers Chyno and Maggie, alongside rappers Dizaster, Al Darwish, Illiam, Kallash and The Synaptic, as they playfully vie for a much-coveted prize. Outside the Arena the country’s crumbling economy becomes debilitating and people's discontent erupts into protest and uprising. Naturally, the battles become more political – and tougher to organise. As disillusionment and PTSD increases, the future seems unknown.