The World According to Monsieur Khiar

After ten years of working in war zones as a documentary photographer for the and , the Dutchman Jeroen Robert Kramer decided to start a new life as an artist in Lebanon. In his hometown of Beirut, he meets Monsieur Khiar, an elderly gentleman in whom he recognizes a better version of himself. “Khiar is the hero I could never be,” Kramer states. “He is the most impressive person I’ve ever met in my life.” Their walks through the old neighborhoods of Beirut, their talks about art, literature and the beauty of small things become a source of inspiration for Kramer. He still feels shame and remorse about photographing people in the worst moments of their lives, without asking their permission. Instead of focusing on the spectacular, Kramer is now attempting to tell an everyday story – one that can help him transform the scars of his past into a work of art. As Monsieur Khiar refuses to be photographed, Kramer’s fascination turns into an obsession.