My home in Libya

By Charles Sonalia

In the touching film My Home in Libya,  directed by Martina Melilli, the narrative begins with a compelling exploration of self-identity, memory, and the constant looking for a sense of belonging in order to “rekindle” her family. Through direct scenes and evidence from the film, viewers are sent through the journey of Martina Melilli as she deals with her family’s history and the unfavorable displacement.

One key scene that shows Martina’s desire for connection is when she sits down to sketch a map of the city, cautiously tracing the places that hold memories of her grandparents. This  representation becomes a symbolic act of storytelling, as Martina attempts to navigate the ruins of her family’s past and find her place within it. The camera hangs around on Martina’s hands as she draws, shedding light on  her emotions and the desire for her  to have a sense of home. Another compelling moment occurs when Martina finds a connection with online communication with a young man from Libya named Mahmoud. During their digital exchanges, the viewers of the film get to see the combination of two worlds and the bridges of geographical divides. In one particular exchange, Mahmoud shares stories from his own life in Libya, giving Martina a view into a world she has never known. These major conversations are a major character building moment within the film, serving as a catalyst for Martina’s “soul searching”, causing her to confront the complexities of memory and the fluidity of identity.

The film also strategically mixes the  historical context with personal narrative, putting the spotlight on the major negative implications of displacement. In a flashback scene, viewers are taken to the political turmoil of 1969, as Antonio Melilli and thousands of other Italians are exiled from Libya following the major government overthrow (coup d’etat) of  Gaddafi. This major moment in history shadows largely over Martina’s journey, building her understanding of self and family.

As Martina goes deeper and deeper into her family’s history, she deals with the selective nature of memory and the ways in which it shapes personal stories. In a short moment of recollection, Martina confides in Mahmoud about her struggles to fully grasp and understand her Italian heritage with her family’s connection to Libya. Through their dialogue, viewers are meant to think about the intricacies of cultural identity and the shifting ideals behind a sense of belonging.

All in all, My Home in Libya is a cinematic masterpiece that allows a connection with viewers on a major emotional level. Through its vivid storytelling and deep character development, the film invites audiences to embark on a journey of self-discovery and introspection. By tying together direct scenes and evidence from the film, viewers are transported into Martina’s world, where the search for identity and belonging takes center stage. In an era marked by geopolitical disruption and cultural changeability, My Home in Libya  serves as a steady reminder of the  human longing for connection, understanding, and a place to call home.

Works Cited

My Home in Libya [Martina Melilli] (2018)