NoGarlicNoOnions and the Lebanese Chamber of Commerce of Nova Scotia Release Official Trailer for “From Cedar Roots To Maple Leaves”
A documentary series preserving the Lebanese story across Nova Scotia for generations to come
NoGarlicNoOnions, in collaboration with the Lebanese Chamber of Commerce of Nova Scotia, proudly announces the release of the official trailer for From Cedar Roots To Maple Leaves – Lebanese Stories Across Nova Scotia – Past, Present & Future, an upcoming documentary series dedicated to preserving, documenting, and celebrating the Lebanese presence across Nova Scotia.
The project, led by Anthony Rahayel — founder of NoGarlicNoOnions and one of the Arab world’s most recognized storytellers — explores the emotional, historical, and cultural journey of Lebanese immigrants and their descendants across Halifax, Yarmouth, Cape Breton, and surrounding communities.
More than a documentary, the series is a long-term cultural preservation initiative capturing stories, memories, traditions, and identities that risk being lost with time.
Preserving Stories Before They Disappear
Across generations, Lebanese families helped shape communities throughout Nova Scotia through entrepreneurship, faith, resilience, family values, and cultural traditions. Yet many of those stories were never formally documented.
The documentary was created with a clear purpose:
to preserve the voices of elders, families, business owners, community leaders, and younger generations before those memories disappear.
Through intimate interviews, historical research, cinematic storytelling, and archival exploration, the series captures:
- immigration journeys
- untold community history
- the Lebanese contribution to Nova Scotia
- generational identity
- language and cultural preservation
- faith, food, and family traditions
- the emotional connection between Lebanon and Canada
Watch the trailer below:
Anthony Rahayel’s Role and Why It Matters
Anthony Rahayel’s involvement brings authenticity, credibility, trust, and emotional depth to the project.
For years, Anthony has dedicated his platform and work to documenting Lebanese identity, preserving cultural heritage, and telling stories that connect people through food, memory, travel, history, and human experience. His ability to connect deeply with communities and create emotionally resonant narratives made him a natural and trusted individual to lead such a meaningful project.
Within the documentary, Anthony serves not only as a host, but as:
- a cultural storyteller
- interviewer
- historical bridge between generations
- narrator connecting emotional stories with historical context
- advocate for Lebanese heritage preservation
His approach transforms the project from a traditional documentary into a human-centered experience rooted in identity, memory, and belonging.
A Collaboration Rooted in Community
The collaboration with the Lebanese Chamber of Commerce of Nova Scotia reflects a shared commitment to preserving Lebanese culture, honoring earlier generations, and ensuring their stories remain accessible to future generations.
The documentary highlights how Lebanese communities across Nova Scotia helped build businesses, churches, institutions, festivals, and support systems while maintaining a strong connection to their roots and identity.
Links
Lebanese Chamber of Commerce of Nova Scotia
