Lebanon is often stereotyped as grim, grey, and war-torn, but Caramel shows the country's warm, vibrant, and sensual side. In a Beirut beauty salon, safe from the sometimes-overwhelming pressures imposed on them by Lebanese society, five women share the most intimate secrets in their lives.  The title comes from the heated sugar/lemon mixture used for hair removal. Filmmaker / actress NADINE LABAKI cast non-actors, including dancer YASMINE AL MASRI, and the principal cast grew very close while shooting this warm-toned film.