In collaboration with the Beirut Film Center and Solo Films, we are working on the development of a documentary that has the ethics of veganism at its heart.

Men of Blood is a feature-length documentary inspired by the journey of storyteller and conservationist Chadi Saad. It explores the deep-rooted traditions of masculinity in Lebanon and how they fuel the unnecessary slaughter of migratory birds. Taking a feminist approach through the lens of men, the film challenges the notion that toxic masculinity is solely a gender issue—it is also an environmental crisis.

At its core, the documentary examines the rites and rituals that condition young boys into the cycle of toxic masculinity, where strength, courage, and the ability to take life are seen as essential steps toward becoming a “real man.” In many traditional communities, proving one’s hunting skills—drawing blood—is a rite of passage, a way for boys to earn respect and be deemed worthy of marriage. This ingrained ideology has led to the mass killing of migratory birds, turning Lebanon’s skies into a battleground of misplaced identity and cultural conditioning. On top of all this, we delve into how climate change is affecting migratory birds and how this also alludes to the need for societal change.

The film also subtly weaves in Chadi Saad’s personal transformation—from an avid bird hunter to a passionate conservationist. His journey serves as a powerful counterpoint, demonstrating that masculinity can evolve beyond violence and dominance into stewardship and protection.

Through raw storytelling, stunning visuals of Lebanon’s landscapes, and intimate interviews with hunters, conservationists, and cultural experts, Men of Blood exposes how deeply masculinity is tied to destruction—and how breaking the cycle can lead to both environmental and social change.