The Twelfth Edition of the Lebanese Film Festival (LFF) Australia is set to captivate audiences with its impressive lineup of 34 films, including 11 feature films, 13 short films, 10 documentaries, two animations, and three retrospectives. As the world’s largest showcase of Lebanese cinema, the festival will run from 15 to 31 August in Sydney before continuing its national tour across Australia. To date, the festival has screened over 300 films to more than 45,000 Australians and has had an estimated direct economic impact of $2.25 million.
The festival will feature screenings across various Sydney locations, including Bankstown primarily, as well as the inner city. This year’s program includes international circuit hits such as Arze (Tribeca Film Festival) and Diaries from Lebanon (Berlinale). The festival will also host international guest, Lebanon’s Diamand Abou Abboud, renowned for her roles in The Insult and the Lebanese Netflix adaptation of Perfect Strangers. Abou Abboud will lead the film Arze.
Australia’s film icon, Bryan Brown AM, has been Patron of LFF Australia since its inception. “I am deeply honoured to be part of the 12th Edition of the Lebanese Film Festival Australia. This festival is more than just a collection of films; it’s a vibrant tapestry celebrating the rich heritage, resilience, and creativity of Lebanon,” says Bryan Brown AM.
“Each year, we highlight the exceptional talent of Lebanese filmmakers, connecting communities through the universal language of film. From thought-provoking dramas to heartwarming comedies, the program offers unique insights into the Lebanese experience. The Lebanese Film Festival fosters cultural understanding and appreciation, and I invite everyone to explore this year’s program and celebrate the narratives that transcend borders,” he adds.
Highlighting the festival is the return of Lebanese star Nadine Labaki in the French-Swiss production Back to Alexandria, which will be featured at Broadway and the LFF Closing Night on 31 August. The festival will also offer over 10 free sessions of short and documentary films, including a full day of screenings at Bankstown Arts Centre on 24 August, complemented by a Lebanese BBQ, and a special session at Western Sydney University Bankstown City Campus on 25 August. Registration is required for free events.
This year’s program includes popular classics and retrospectives like Ziad Doueiri’s West Beirut, the animated film Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet, and the comedy Wanted. Australian-Lebanese filmmaker James El Azzi’s short film Seeds of Gold, supported by LFF, will also be screened. Additionally, The Last Letter, a poignant documentary reconnecting a family between Lebanon and Australia, will be featured.
Music lovers can delve into The Third Rahbani, exploring the life of composer Elias El Rahbani. The festival will also showcase In the Shadow of Beirut, Ireland’s Oscar nomination for 2024, shot by Irish filmmakers Stephen Gerard Kelly and Garry Keane.
“For the past thirteen years, we have tirelessly sought to bring Lebanon’s stories to our screens – celebrating the arts and culture of this beautiful but often turbulent small nation. Despite increasingly difficult circumstances for Lebanon and the region, our hope and commitment to fostering cultural connections remain,” say Co-Directors Camille Lattouf and Jessica Zeait.
“Programming for this year’s festival was a great challenge, but also a key learning opportunity for us. We were taken aback by the resilience and determination of Lebanon’s film industry. This year’s films delve deep into Lebanon’s pains, celebrations, and perseverance, reflecting the heart and soul of the country,” they add.
LFF Ambassador and media personality Antoinette Lattouf shares, “Throughout history, especially in turbulent times, art and film have shone a light when the present feels dark. The LFF unites, informs, and entertains, and that’s why I’m proud to be an Ambassador.”
The films reflect the current social, political, and economic challenges in Lebanon, offering diverse perspectives and highlighting the resilience of its film industry.
The Twelfth Edition of LFF Australia is proudly supported by the City of Canterbury Bankstown, Screen NSW, Bankstown Sports, and Western Union, among other partners.
About Lebanese Film Festival Australia:
Devoted to showcasing Lebanese cinema and dispelling misconceptions, the Lebanese Film Festival Australia was co-founded in 2011 and is a 100% volunteer-led non-profit organisation, governed under the Lebanese Film Festival Association Incorporated. This national arts and cultural event draws diverse audiences from all corners of Australia, with Bankstown serving as the vibrant and diverse city centre. The electrifying Twelfth Edition, running from 15 to 31 August, brings a diverse selection of thought-provoking films, cultural celebrations, and engaging discussions. From gripping dramas to heartwarming comedies, this festival promises to entertain, enlighten, and inspire.
For more information, tickets, and to register for free events, visit lff.org.au.
