Directing
Alia Haju
Known for
Directing
Credits
2 titles
Brooklyn/Beirut-based filmmaker and musician. Alia grew up in South Lebanon until 1994 when she fled, during the Israeli war on Lebanon, to the UAE and later the US. In 2005 she returned to Lebanon to complete a BFA at AUB. She then worked as a photographer and photo editor, covering the SWANA region and the Syrian war, and as a freelance investigative video-journalist for multiple media organizations. She is director of the award winning “ship of fools’ short and co-author of the award-winning feature-doc “Kashkash”. Alia received multiple funds for her films like AFAC, Dohafilminstitute, MFG Filmförderung and a music album fund from NYFA.
Known for
NRMy hometown, Beirut, is torn apart by a corrupt political elite, anti-government protests, and one of the biggest explosions of the 21st century. But above the roofs of the city, I discovered an unexpected bearer of hope: the pigeon game of chance "Kash Hamam". Every evening, the sky populates, and all over the city swarms fly out of their cages. Their flight follows the choreography of an ancient tradition. Each player holds their own flock and lets it circle over his house, with the chance to lure the pigeons of the neighbors onto his roof to expand his flock. During the recent political collapse of Lebanon, we embark on a journey from roof to roof. When it all perishes, why do we hold on to flying? The film observes a city in turmoil from the perspective of three pigeon players and a young girl fighting to release her own birds.
Kash Kash: Without Feathers We Can't Live
2023
NRAmid the tumult of Beirut, Alia meets Abu Samra, a man training to gain superpowers. She decides to train with him. Their shared monsters help them make sense of the insanity of Lebanon.
Ship of Fools
2025
Behind the camera
NRMy hometown, Beirut, is torn apart by a corrupt political elite, anti-government protests, and one of the biggest explosions of the 21st century. But above the roofs of the city, I discovered an unexpected bearer of hope: the pigeon game of chance "Kash Hamam". Every evening, the sky populates, and all over the city swarms fly out of their cages. Their flight follows the choreography of an ancient tradition. Each player holds their own flock and lets it circle over his house, with the chance to lure the pigeons of the neighbors onto his roof to expand his flock. During the recent political collapse of Lebanon, we embark on a journey from roof to roof. When it all perishes, why do we hold on to flying? The film observes a city in turmoil from the perspective of three pigeon players and a young girl fighting to release her own birds.
Kash Kash: Without Feathers We Can't Live
2023
NRAmid the tumult of Beirut, Alia meets Abu Samra, a man training to gain superpowers. She decides to train with him. Their shared monsters help them make sense of the insanity of Lebanon.
Ship of Fools
2025