BRYAN BROWN
Australian Actor & Film Maker
Notable films: Breaker Morant (1980), The Thorn Birds (1983), Cocktail (1988), Along Came Polly (2004), Australia (2008), and Gods of Egypt (2016)
“It’s hard to believe we are in the eighth edition of the festival – over the years I have watched the Lebanese Film Festival (LFF) grow and evolve, empower and entertain, bringing people from all walks of life together in cinema rooms, discovering the tales and talents of film makers, predominantly from a country that is full of wonder and strength, amongst its weaknesses and struggles.
The festival has continued to support Lebanese filmmakers, programming content sourced from Lebanon, Australia and beyond, connecting us to stories from historic and contemporary Lebanon and beyond.
I am particularly proud that the festival team are continuously supporting home-grown content, one in particular, ‘Palm Beach’ directed by my wife Rachel Ward, with a stellar Australian cast and is an example of a national cinema that empowers, entertains and takes you to one of the most beautiful places in our country. Palm Beach employed over 50% of women between the cast and crew, including festival co-director and Lebanese Australian, Jessica Khoury.
Congratulations to all the film makers and to the Lebanese Film Festival team for paving way and setting a benchmark for the younger generation, curating an experience of a national cinema that continues to grow with its audience.
I am proud to be the Patron of this wonderful festival and encourage you to come along.”
Bryan Brown AM
Patron, Lebanese Film Festival
