Heading South - Taleen Ala Jnoub

Heading South – Taleen Ala Jnoub

Date

24 - 25 - 26 October 2025

Location

Kfar Reman, Saida, and Arab Salim

In partnership with Stayha in Kfar Reman, Nohye el Ard in Saida, and Nidaa Al Ard in Arab Salim with the collaboration of its municipality, Taleen Ala Jnoub will take place from 24 to 26 October across the three locations.
The program aims to be a space for encounter and reflection, where art, culture, environment, and heritage come together to inspire collective thinking about sustainable living in South Lebanon.
The South is distinguished by its biological and human diversity, its rich cultural heritage, and its deep-rooted traditions that form the unique fabric of Lebanese identity. Yet, its historical steadfastness faces a harsh reality marked by displacement, ecocide, and the ongoing destruction of villages and cultural landmarks due to daily Israeli agressions, all amid internal political negligence.
In response to this reality, “Taleen Ala Jnoub” (Heading South) is a program of collaborative events that joins the courageous initiatives led by Lebanon’s social and civic fabric, especially in the South, through an artistic, cultural, and environmental program focused on the deep connection to land, ecology, and sustainable practices.

Kfar Reman Activities Overview – Friday, 24 October Stayha Center

Our first stop in Kfar Reman’s begins with “Steadfast Plants”, a guided tour with Hadi Awada and Fatima Ali exploring Southern Lebanon’s threatened biodiversity and the ecological, health, and social value of its native plants.

It continues with local specialty food and herbal lemonades, followed by a Music Jam with Local Artists:

Ragheb Harb (Oud and Bouzouk): a music educator from South Lebanon, one of the first to perform live at Stayha
Moslim Fahes (Nay): a Nay player with over 14 years of experience, known for his “Meditation through Music” performances;
Ali Sabbah (Electric Guitar): a multidisciplinary artist and theater composer active in community-based arts.

The evening concludes with a Film Screenings program “Land & People”, featuring:

Memory within a Tree by Wassim Tanios
A Grotto for Sale by Muriel Honein
The Snake Hill by Joelle Abou Chabke
Earth Weavers by Rima Kaddissi.

Saida Activities Overview - Saturday 25 October Nohye el Ard Garden

The second day in Saida’s community Garden, Nohye Al Ard, opens with a Local Market and Lunch, followed by a talk titled “Agriculture in times of war and occupation” with Nohye el Ard group and Hadi Awada, then guided tours for adults and children in the garden.

In the evening, Film Screenings: Land & People include:
The Tree of Hell by Raed Zeno, Upshot by Maha Haj, and Forgotten Flower by Riham Assi.

The day concludes with a concert hosting Ard Quartet and Forum 70 Choir from Saida.
Ard Quartet performs traditional pieces from the musical heritage of the Levant and Egypt on Nay, Oud, Qanun, and Riqq, featuring beloved Arabic songs and a tribute to the late Ziad Rahbani, who deeply believed in “land and people.”Musicians: Bahaa Jomaa (Nay), Mohammad Assi (Oud & Vocals), Hamza Hamieh (Qanun), and Lebanon Aoun (Percussion).

Forum 70 Choir is a community choir from Saida founded by artist Walid Assi at the cultural space “Forum 70.” Led by Lebanon Aoun and accompanied by Ard Quartet, the choir performs selected songs by Fairouz, inviting the audience to join in collective singing and joy.

Arab Salim Activities Overview - Sunday 26 October

In Arab Salim, the day begins with the opening of the photo exhibition “Stories from the South” by Adib Farhat at the Arab Salim Public School.

The local communities and visitors are then invited to join a tour with Doctor Faisal Farhat exploring local plants and crops.

After a local lunch in the municipal park, Ziad Abi Shaker hosts a meeting on waste reuse at the Nidaa Al Ard Center.

At last, the Family Film Screenings “Land and People” present:
Earth Calling by Basma Farhat and Hassan Haidar, Zaatara by Adeeb Farhat, Dawerha by Hanady Al Sheikh, Not Just a Tree by Reef Ambassadors, Shift by Moussa Shabandar and Sherine Raffoul, and Barzakh by Hassan Haidar.