The 18th edition of the Beirut Shorts International Film Festival concluded on a high note, marking a momentous occasion for Lebanon's cultural revival. With the theme of "Rebirth" at its core, this year’s exceptional festival celebrated not just the art of cinema, but the resilience and forward-thinking spirit of Lebanese youth and filmmakers. Held at Théâtre Elysée in Ashrafieh, from the 26th till the 30th of November 2024, the event brought together a diverse community of filmmakers, artists, influencers, and cultural enthusiasts, all uniting in a powerful moment of collective action toward Lebanon’s cultural renaissance.
A Cultural Celebration: A Gathering of Creative Minds
For 5 consecutive days, Théâtre Elysée, Ashrafiyeh transformed into a cultural hub where creativity and resilience took center stage. The event served as an invaluable opportunity for the Lebanese creative community to reconnect, share stories, and engage in meaningful dialogue and cultural exchange.
Among the distinguished guests was Minister of Information, Eng. Ziad Makary, who made a special visit to the festival. His statement was a poignant reflection of the event’s broader cultural significance: "This festival symbolizes the strength of Lebanese youth, their belief in their country, and their commitment to rebuilding a Lebanon of culture and art, despite the crises and waves of displacement."
Makary’s words captured the essence of the festival: Lebanese youth, despite the difficulties they face, continue to lead the charge in Lebanon’s cultural renewal, using film as a platform for social transformation and unity.
The Pact: A Vision for Lebanon's Cultural Rebirth
In a moment of profound strive for cultural solidarity and societal inclusion, festival attendees came together to sign the Lebanon Cultural Rebirth Declaration, a pact that outlines a collective vision for Lebanon’s future. This declaration is more than a statement—it is a movement, one that emphasizes the role of culture in healing and rebuilding the country.
The pact, signed by the majority of attendees, called for ending violence and conflict, harnessing the power of culture, promoting inclusion and diversity, and fostering international collaboration, marking the event as a launchpad for a cultural rebirth that will grow and scale in the years ahead.
The Ministry of Information expressed its full commitment to the pact, calling for more initiatives like this one to inspire the next phase of Lebanon’s cultural transformation. "We are committed to collaborating with Lebanon’s vibrant youth to advance this shared cultural vision. We need to replicate and scale this effort across the country," said Minister Makary.
A Night of Awards and Recognition: Celebrating the Best in Film
The Beirut Shorts International Film Festival concluded with a vibrant Awards Ceremony, revealing the results of the jury's deliberations across various categories. The awards celebrated the festival's commitment to recognizing outstanding filmmaking, from Oscar-qualifying films to emerging voices in the Beirut Sparks and Beirut Seeds categories.
- In the Official Competition, the awards included
- Best Live Action for A Summer's End Poem (China)
- Special Jury Mention for The Red Sea Makes Me Wanna Cry (Germany – Jordan)
- Best Short Animation for Tennis, Oranges (USA)
- Best Short Documentary for Getty Abortions (Austria – Germany)
- Best Short Experimental for The Oasis I Deserve (France)
- Special Jury Mention for Shame (Lebanon)
- Audience Choice Award: The Ant that Crossed my Sketchbook (Lebanon)
- In Beirut Sparks Lebanese Category
- Best Short Film went to Past Perfect
- Special Jury Mentions for Best Cinematography to Remains
- Best Actress to Joy Frem
- Best Actor to Gilbert Nassar
- Audience Choice Award: Ghasle
- The Beirut Seeds Lebanese Category
- Best Short Film The Providence of Becoming
- Special Jury Mention for San Pimentae.
- Audience Choice Award: The Amazing Life of Molly Star
- The Land, Peace & Justice category awarded
- Best Short Film to I’ll Get Back To You (Palestine)
- Special Jury Mention for Nowhere, Somewhere, Anywhere (Lebanon – Jordan)
- Audience Choice Award: Nowhere, Somewhere, Anywhere
- The Emile Chahine Award for Cinematic Excellence was presented to Farheen,
- And a special award titled: Echo Online Engagement Award for: Al Ittisal
These award-winning films exemplified the festival’s mission to push creative boundaries and use cinema as a tool for societal change, highlighting the transformative power of storytelling in shaping the future.
A New Beginning for Lebanon’s Cultural Landscape
The Beirut Shorts International Film Festival reinforced the theme of "Rebirth" as a catalyst for Lebanon's cultural transformation. Despite ongoing challenges, the event highlighted the resilience of Lebanon’s creative sector and its potential for renewal through art and collaboration.
The Lebanon Cultural Rebirth Declaration, signed by key stakeholders, signals the start of a long-term initiative to leverage cinema and creativity for national regeneration. With the backing of the Ministry of Information and a growing network of cultural leaders, the festival sets the stage for sustained impact, positioning itself as a key driver in Lebanon's cultural revival.
For more information on the Beirut Shorts International Film Festival, future collaborations, or partnership opportunities, please contact:Beirut Film Society – Doris Saba – Executive Director - +961 78906626
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