'A real thirst for art': After months of war, Beirut's appetite for cinema is undiminished
Thousands of people attended the 20th Beirut Shorts International Film Festival, an annual event celebrating short films from Lebanon and around the world. Held at the landmark Metropolis Cinema in Beirut’s Mar Mikhael district from November 2 to 6, the event that places particular emphasis on emerging filmmakers and young talent drew 3,500 attendees, co-founder and director Sam Lahoud said.…
The 20th Beirut Shorts International Film Festival attracted 3,500 attendees to the Metropolis Cinema in Beirut’s Mar Mikhael district from November 2 to 6. Co-founder and director Sam Lahoud noted the strong turnout, attributing it to a desire for social connection after months of war. Lebanese actress Wafa Halawi, who served on the festival’s jury, echoed this sentiment, stating that the event's emphasis on art and human interaction resonated deeply with the audience.
Despite concerns over renewed violence following Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah, the festival proceeded as planned. The annual event, which has grown into one of Beirut’s most prestigious short film showcases since its 2007 inception, featured films ranging from fiction and documentaries to animation and experimental productions. The festival also holds the distinction of being Lebanon’s first Oscar-qualifying film competition.
This year’s prizes were awarded to A Few Moments of Happiness by Shaden Tazi, Best Lebanese Short Film; 67 Milliseconds by Galdric Fleury and Antoine Fontaine, Best International Short Film; The Comet by Julie Charette, Best Animation; As I Lay Dying by Mohammadreza Farzad and Pegah Ahangarani, Best Documentary; and Paper Life by An Chu, Best Live Action.
Additionally, No Dead Ends, co-directed by AFP photojournalist Christina Assi and Rani Nasser, received the Audience Choice Award. Assi’s film, which chronicles her journey to recovery after an Israeli strike, resonated with the audience, drawing a powerful emotional response.
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