Closing Ceremony of the fourth edition of the Beirut International Women Film Festival in Lebanon

 

Over a week of a rich cinematic program at LFA Cinema Abraj – Furn El Chebbak, and after honoring Ms. Aimee Boulos, cinema lovers and filmmakers met around a variety of films from different categories.

In parallel, panel discussions were held that tackling the challenges and efforts of the organizers of women’s film festivals and female media professionals on the front lines. The role of women in cinema was also highlighted, as the participants addressed their approaches to these pivotal issues and economic and social obstacles.

They also expressed hopefulness when it comes to the positive change provided by the involvement of women through telling their stories from a different perspective, and the role of integrating efforts to develop and empower women’s presence at the decision-making level.

In addition, a special and profound masterclass took place with Muriel Abou El-Roos, during which she shared her experiences and path towards alternative cinema as a reflection of life, love and art.

The days of the screenings witnessed the remarkable diplomatic participation of the ambassadors of the United States of America and Canada, the Chargé d’Affaire of the Embassy of Switzerland to Lebanon as well as a number of partners and supporters, especially representatives from UNESCO, UNFPA, Forumzfd and La Guilde, who were keen to watch the films that were executed by the participants in the Girls for Change program.

In parallel , it was an occasion to reunite the girls affected by the port explosion who were able to watch their movies on the big screen.

 

At the closing ceremony of the fourth edition of the Beirut International Women  Film Festiva, a speech was delivered by Founder and Chair of Beirut Film Society, Sam Lahoud, in which he affirmed a common conviction that there is no choice but to continue despite all the harsh conditions, and it is an opportunity for hope and a space for dialogue. He believed that the participation proved that there is «a belief that what we are doing is necessary, and that is why we will continue.» He concluded by saying: «we have to think about taking initiatives.»

 

 

As for the awards , they were divided according to the categories as follows:

international short films

 

The Present :best short film

 

Palestine

 

Pigeon Therapy -Jury Mention

 

Luxembourg

 

Girl (Mariella Auman) Best Actress

 

Germany

 

Al Sit (Suzannah Mirghani) Best Director

Sudan

 

What is a Woman? best scenario

 

Norway

 

documentaries

 

Ain’t no time for women Best Documentary Short Film

Canada

 

Letter to my mother Jury note

Iran-Malaysia

 

Animation Shorts

Best Short Animation: The wedding cake

Sweden-Italy

 

Fantasmia -Jury Mention

Germany

 

dance films

To a Broken Image: Best Dance Film

Spain

 

Reborn -Jury Mention

Netherlands

 

De- Eschatology Best Choreography

United States of America

 

Feature Films

 

180 Degree Rule Best Feature Film

Best Cast: 180 Degree Rule

Iran

 

Between Two Seas Jury Mention

Egypt

 

Feature documentaries

 

Best Documentary Feature

A thousand girls like me-Afghanistan

 

9 days in Raqqa Jury Note – France/Syria

Judy versus capitalism – Jury Mention

Canada

 

Lebanese short films

 

best lebanese Film

A Day Off-Leonardo Bassil

 

Jury’s note

List To Me Red

Jury Mention Best Ensemble Cast: Listen to me Reda – Lebanon

 

Mention of the jury for the best director

Rhythm of forgetting-Lebanon

 

Audience Voting Award

Amygdala – Dana Abdessamad-Lebanon