Survival in Lebanon by Fatima El Jamal (a photojournalism project about home)

If you don't know me, hi! My name is Fatima Eljamal (@fatimaelie on instagram). I am a Lebanese expat, who is a settler on Turtle Island, residing in Tkaronto. I am a photographer, an artist, a chef, a sister, and a storyteller. My passion for photography blossomed when I was a young child and continued as I grew up. As an adult, photography has given me a creative outlet to become a better storyteller and amplify marginalized voices in my own way. Photography has been therapeutic for me in a lot of ways and I want to return the favour to my people. This is where you and your support come in.

With this project, I aim to show real life in Lebanon. I want to interview and showcase dreamers, siblings of the diaspora, the imagined future of Lebanon, the self-initiated activists and community organizers and the community that raised me. I want people to understand that Lebanese people are survivors and not victims. My goal is for everyone to see our beauty and strength and what makes us, us. The stories are meant to amplify beautiful stories and beautiful people alike.

In the future, I would like to publish a book with all the photos and stories. I want people to be able to pick up this book and learn about the untold parts of my country and my homeland. I want the subjects I interview to continue to get attention for their contribution to the project once it is published.

My initial goal for this is $4,500 and will cover the following:

Flights, travel expenses, accommodations, transportation, photography equipment and local foods, to help serve the communities I will be travelling too.

Help me make my dream come true!