Lebanese stories mirrored on Canadian screens

The Lebanese Film Festival in Canada opened its tenth edition to a packed and emotional house. After a decade of championing Lebanese cinema on Canadian soil, the milestone anniversary brought together filmmakers, diplomats, sponsors, community leaders, and audiences in a celebration that felt equal parts homecoming and horizon.

The Beiruter spoke with festival founder and executive director Hay-Love Hadchiti about the significance of the premiere and the vision behind this year’s edition.

The right film for the moment

The festival opened with the Canadian premiere of A Sad and Beautiful World, directed by Cyril Aris a choice Hadchiti described as deeply intentional. “The film beautifully captures the complexity, resilience, and humanity that characterize many Lebanese stories,” she said. “Through its sensitive storytelling and powerful cinematic language, the film invites audiences to reflect on themes of memory, identity, and hope.”

For a festival marking its tenth anniversary, the selection carried significance beyond a single screening. “We wanted to open with a film that represents the artistic excellence and creative depth of contemporary Lebanese cinema,” Hadchiti said. “The audience’s response on opening night confirmed that it was the perfect film to launch this milestone edition.”

“Seeing filmmakers, artists, partners, sponsors, volunteers, and audiences come together reminded us of how far the festival has come,” she added. “One of the most memorable moments was witnessing the audience’s enthusiastic response during the opening ceremony and feeling the collective energy of a community united by storytelling and a passion for film.” That energy, she suggested, had been a decade in the making.

A night of distinguished guests

The opening night was further elevated by the presence of several prominent figures from Lebanese cinema. Aris attended alongside acclaimed actor Yorgo Chalhoub and director-producer Oualid Mouaness, among others. Hadchiti noted that “their presence added a special dimension to the evening, allowing audiences to engage directly with artists whose work continues to enrich Lebanese cinema.”

Representatives from cultural institutions, community organizations, and diplomatic circles many of them long-standing supporters of the festival also filled the venue, underscoring the relationships the festival has cultivated over the past decade.

Celebrating ten years

The milestone anniversary was woven throughout every aspect of the opening ceremony. “We took time to reflect on the festival’s journey, from its humble beginnings to becoming a recognized platform for Lebanese cinema and cultural dialogue in Canada,” Hadchiti said.

Speeches, visual retrospectives, and special acknowledgements honored the filmmakers, partners, volunteers, sponsors, and audiences whose contributions shaped the festival’s first decade. “It was both a celebration of our achievements and a look toward the future,” she added.

What lies ahead

For audiences yet to attend, the remaining days of the festival offer a broad and varied program. “Audiences can look forward to a rich selection of feature films, documentaries, shorts, and animation that showcase the diversity and creativity of Lebanese storytelling,” Hadchiti said.

Many screenings will be followed by discussions with filmmakers, offering what she described as “unique insights into the creative process.” Red carpet events, networking opportunities, and a highly anticipated closing-night celebration are also still to come.

More than cinema

When asked what she hopes audiences carry with them after the festival concludes, Hadchiti pointed to something beyond cinema itself. “I hope attendees leave feeling inspired, connected, and enriched by the stories they have experienced,” she said. “Cinema has the power to foster empathy, understanding, and dialogue across cultures.”

As the Lebanese Film Festival in Canada marks a decade, that mission remains at the heart of its identity. “We want people to leave with memorable experiences and a renewed belief in the power of culture to unite us,” Hadchiti said.