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