A new film by Lebanese Oil and Gas Initiative (LOGI), an independent NGO that advocates for a more transparent, efficient energy sector in Lebanon, is being shared across news channels in the country. It encapsulates 47 seconds of helplessness, pain, uncertainty, desperation, loneliness and losing hope for a much-needed cause.
Lebanon is grappling with a crippling energy crisis, which puts hospitals and essential services under immense pressure. Outdated energy infrastructure and an over-reliance on private operators and fuel imports have impacted the people of Lebanon for the past 47 years, with power cuts a daily reality.
To shine a light on this crisis, LOGI has launched a film called ‘47 seconds’. Created in partnership with Publicis Groupe Middle East & Turkey, it depicts the reality faced by the Lebanese people who have been deprived of their right to power. The film shows a father and a daughter over 47 seconds, shot in one take.
“We hope the film will raise awareness of the fact that people in Lebanese hospitals are dying and suffering because of the lack of electricity and power cuts, and they have been suffering for 47 years to date,” explains Tahaab Rais, chief strategy officer at Publicis Groupe Middle East and Africa.
Set in a typical hospital in the most afflicted parts of Lebanon, ‘47 seconds’, depicts the bleakness of the reality being faced in Lebanon today.
It directs people to a website where they can learn more about the initiative and sign a petition that demands transparent access to updates on parliamentary discussions in the electricity sector and pressures the newly elected Lebanese parliament to solve the electricity crisis. The movement is growing across Lebanon, and the world is invited to join in, sign and show support. On-ground activations, including protests, are planned during the most affected summer months to drive action, while an outreach program is helping areas suffering the most to get electricity through innovative sources of energy like solar panels. The soundtrack is an original composition titled “Descent” – it can be heard here. The film was picked up as a Vimeo staff pick within days of launch.
LOGI is an independent NGO aiming to develop a network of Lebanese oil, gas and energy experts that will lobby Lebanese policymakers and educate Lebanese citizens on the key decisions facing the oil, gas and energy sectors. Through public awareness, policy development and advocacy, LOGI is on a mission to make Lebanon’s energy sector more transparent and efficient.
Client: Lebanese Oil and Gas Initiative Logi
Agency: Publicis Groupe ME & T
Production company: Prodigious MEA
Chief executive officer – Publicis Groupe ME&T: Bassel Kakish
Chief strategy officer – Publicis Groupe ME&T: Tahaab Rais
Chief executive officer – Prodigious MEA: Sami Saleh
Idea, writer and film director: Tahaab Rais
DoP: Aeyaz
Chief creative officer – Saatchi & Saatchi MEA: Sebastien Boutebel
Creative: Karim Kazan
Production – Prodigious MEA: Naji Bechara, Ralph Matar, Myriam Wardeh, Nour Helou
Post production – Optix: Nayla Chacra, Thalia Trad, Eddy Farah
1st AD: Remy Haddad
Editor: Neda Zag (Cold Cutz)
Grading and colourist: Karim Mira (LZRD)
Music: Joe Dickinson
Sound design: Mango Jam Studio, Wilbur D’Costa, Achint
Grip: Bob Touma
Gaffer: Sohail Iftikhar
Focus puller: Roger Schram
Business director – Leo Burnett: Mohieddine Mneimneh
Strategist – Leo Burnett: Yasmina Raydan
Chief executive officer – Starcom: Racha Makarem
General manager – Starcom: Joyce Hallak
Associate business director – Starcom: Joyce Tahan
Client operations director – Publicis Sapient: Raed Hakim
Senior manager digital delivery – Publicis Communications: Venkat Krish
Senior manager delivery management – Publicis Communications: Sheni Meledath
