A TV Facelift

Al-Arabiya’s documentary about Samir Geagea is a case study in how you can successfully re-brand a previously loathed politician.

When Oliver Hirschbiegel made the movie The Downfall about the last moments in Hitler’s life, he probably predicted the vehement objections he’s going to get from some Jewish groups.
The Jews were not bothered by the historical facts portrayed in the movie, which were accurate, but they were horrified by the fact that the movie was humanizing what they saw as a monster, by giving him a recognizable face, vulnerability, emotions, and other feelings…

Similar reactions are now pouring into Al-Arabiya’s mailbox, after it started broadcasting a series about the sufferings of Samir Geagea, a Christian wartime warlord who’s now an integral part of the independence movement, during his 11 years in an underground microscopic prison cell. (To watch the series, check the links below)

The documentary, managed by Giselle Khoury, a top Lebanese journalist whose husband was killed by the same people who killed Hariri, delves into the days of his captivity, with a focus on details and a survey of his thinking processes and how they evolved, from acrimonious wrath and vengefulness all the way to Mandela-like pacifism and forgiveness.

More than a year ago, I argued that Geagea is going to be a tough sell to Muslims, but from the reactions I’m witnessing in various entourages of Sunni Muslim housewives, Al-Arabiya is doing a heck of a Job. One woman told me: “7aram shu 2adda hazzalami, kteer nzalam, alla y2awwi” (The man has really suffered, he was wronged, may God give him strength).

You can watch the first episode here: Part 1 , Part 2 , Part 3 , Part 4