Ghanoujet Baya (2006 film)

***Ghanoujet Baya*** (Arabic: ***غنوجة بيا***), meaning ***Dad's Girl***, is a Lebanese comedy film directed by Elie F. Habib and written by Mona Tayeh. This film stars Rita Barsona as Rana Baraket and Peter Semaan as Tarek Fayad. This film premiered in November 2006.

An eponymous television series was released in the same year, consisting of 30 episodes.

## Summary

Rana Baraket is a spoiled rich girl whose father declared bankruptcy, she hopped through various jobs, only to end up in awkward situations due to her lack of job experience. She suddenly ended up falling in love with Tarek Fayad, the very person that was responsible for her father's bankruptcy.

## Plot

"Dad's Girl" is a romantic comedy film set in the southern region of Lebanon. It revolves around Rana Barakat (played by Rita Barsona), a single adult who is adored and pampered by her father, Fareed Barakat (portrayed by Antoine Balaban). Rana faces numerous challenges as her father insists on her getting married before his time runs out. Tarek Fayad (played by Peter Semaan) is the charismatic suitor deeply in love with Rana and making every effort to win her heart, especially since her father trusts him implicitly.

In the same locale, we encounter Nadine Kenaan (depicted by Nadine Al Rassi) and her husband, Shadi Kenaan (played by Ghassan Saleem), whose relationship is strained. Shadi married Nadine primarily to acquire her French passport and to leave Lebanon, but Nadine is reluctant to go. Their conflicts escalate, leading Shadi to decide on a move to Paris, while Nadine, unbeknownst to him, discovers she is pregnant.

Complications arise when Tarek's ex-girlfriend, Dollie (portrayed by Rania Issa), experiences mental distress due to her intense affection for him. Tarek had previously left Dollie for Rana, but he returns to Dollie when he senses Rana's hesitation about their future together, driven by her fear of potential heartbreak.

Dollie and Rana coincidentally meet at a hair salon, where Dollie proudly displays her engagement ring from Tarek and reveals their upcoming engagement party at the casino where she performs. Rana interprets this as an act of revenge, leading to a heated confrontation during the ceremony. Rana's maid, Sabah (played by Abeer Aoun), even cuts Dollie's dress in a moment of tension. The altercation escalates into a brawl between Dollie's family and Rana's security guards, resulting in a visit to the police station. Tarek eventually pays bail for everyone.

Following their release, Tarek admonishes Rana for her actions and warns her of potential legal consequences if Dollie decides to sue her. He also encourages Rana to acknowledge her jealousy, but she continues to deny her feelings for him.

Amidst these events, Nadine and Shadi reconcile over the phone, and Nadine travels to Paris, while Shadi returns to Lebanon. They have a brief argument but ultimately express their love for each other and plan to reunite.

Meanwhile, Dollie's mental state deteriorates, and she becomes convinced that Tarek is seeing Rana again. In her frenzy, she decides to harm Rana, believing Tarek is deceiving her. Tarek rushes to find Rana, but Dollie reaches her first and stabs her. Rana is rushed to the hospital, where Tarek questions her about the incident. Rana confesses her love for him and her inability to live without him before losing consciousness.

The film concludes with Rana recovering in the hospital, surrounded by family and friends. Several weeks later, Tarek takes Rana to a secluded beachside area and proposes to her. Rana joyfully accepts, and the movie ends with the couple sharing a romantic dance.

## Cast

* Rita Barsona as Rana Barakat
* Peter Semaan as Tarek Fayad
* Antoine Balban as Fareed Barakat
* Nadine Al Rassi as Nadine Kenaan
* Ghassan Saleem as Shadi Kenaan
* Rania Issa as Dolly
* Abeer Aoun as Sabah
* Saad Hamdan as Adnan