DIRECTORS MESSAGE

Dear patrons,

For the past thirteen years we have determinedly sought to bring Lebanon’s stories to our screens – celebrating arts and culture of this beautiful but often turbulent small nation. This year is no different. Despite increasingly difficult circumstances for Lebanon and the region, our hope and commitment remain undiminished. Programming for this year’s festival was a great challenge, but also a key learning opportunity for us. Not only were we taken back by the resilience and determination of Lebanon’s film industry, but we also gained new insight into the many challenges Lebanon faces, particularly amid the uncertainty and tragedies that define the region, but also have a profound impact on Lebanon – particularly Syria and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

From Mira Shaib’s directorial debut feature film ‘Arze,’ a moving story of resilience and determination set in Beirut and starring Lebanon’s own Diamand Bou Abboud, to the biographical feature premiere  ‘Al Rab Yarani’ (God Sees Me), informing audiences of a great but quiet-working monk, Blessed Estephan Nehme, this year’s films delve deep into Lebanon’s pains, celebrations, and perseverance. Boudy Sfeir’s ‘Tnaash’ explores the complexities of Lebanon’s legal system and first ever jury trial, while Anwar Sabbah collaborates with Italian director Ilaria Borrelli on ‘The Goat,’ a heart-wrenching drama set amid barbaric traditions still practiced in many parts of the world that leave young girls vulnerable to a life of despair.

Explore personal and collective memories showcasing the heart and soul of Lebanon through Miriam El Haj’s documentary ‘Diaries from Lebanon,’ or join us for a barbeque and a full day of shorts and documentaries at the Bankstown Arts Centre where you’ll get to see short documentaries like ‘Juxtaposition’ touching on the Armenian community of Bourj Hammoud in Beirut.

We all know and love Fairuz, and this year we get to meet ‘The Third Rahbani,’ a documentary chronicling the extraordinary journey of the late Lebanese composer Elias El Rahbani, the lesser known composer brother of the Rahbani Brothers, the people behind Fairuz.

A powerhouse of Lebanese cinema, Nadine Labaki returns to our screens in our closing night film ‘Back to Alexandria.’ Starring alongside French actress Fanny Ardant, Labaki brings depth and nuance to this sharp drama set amid the struggles of family and society. There are also comedies and retrospectives, and two animations – content for ages and those with tastes of all film genres.

With many films to see, this festival calls for you to bring your mums, dads, sisters, brothers, friends, jedos (grandpas) and tetas (grandmas) to the movies. Let the Lebanese Film Festival be a place to spend time together while whilst connecting to Lebanon and its stories. We are proud of all the filmmakers this year, and we are especially thankful to all our patrons—loyal, new, or returning—your support means a great deal to us.

We look forward to welcoming you all to the 12th Edition of the Lebanese Film Festival this year!

Camille Lattouf
Director, Lebanese Film Festival

Jessica Zeait
Co-Director, Lebanese Film Festival