The Lebanese city of Tripoli is hosting an exceptional cinematic event at the Rashid Karami International Fair, Lebanese House, for the second consecutive year. The Between Women Filmmakers Caravan festival runs from August 29 until September 1, 2024.
The Between Women Filmmakers Caravan festival features screenings of films by several women directors, celebrating women's voices and images in cinema as part of an initiative that unites female filmmakers from around the world. This year marks the fourth time the festival has been held in Lebanon.
The Between Women Filmmakers Caravan began in 2008 to support women filmmakers in both Arab and foreign countries. Jocelyne Abi Gebrayel, a talented DOP and coordinator of the festival, explains that “the project's main aim is to create a network between these women directors through workshops and various film screenings. Previous screenings have taken place in Egypt, Spain, and other countries, along with workshops in Lebanon and Tunisia, among others. This is the fourth edition in Lebanon, with previous locations including Saida, Beirut, and Tripoli."
Regarding the choice of location, she added, "In Tripoli, we held the screenings outdoors in the courtyard of the Lebanese House under the moonlight. It was a magical experience that energized the city. People were enthusiastic and asked for more. That’s why we decided to hold it again in the same location. This year, we’re organizing a four-day screening at the Rachid Karami International Fair.”
The festival features a diverse range of films in terms of countries, directors, and themes, covering artistic, social, activist, and political issues. Regarding the opening film, Jocelyne Abi Gebrayel noted, “The opening movie is The Mother of All Lies by Moroccan director Asmae El Moudir. It reconstructs her childhood using clay to uncover the truth about her past. This film has won several awards and is being shown for the first time in Lebanon.” Also included in the festival are six short films by six women filmmakers, in collaboration with the Reef Association, examining biodiversity, and other films reflecting on social marital issues as well as regional turmoil.
It is worth noting that all screenings are free and open to all cinema and art enthusiasts. In addition to the screenings, the festival offers a two-week workshop on the fundamentals of creative documentary filmmaking, led by Egyptian-Spanish director Amal Ramsis and Lebanese DOP Jocelyne Abi Gebrayel. This workshop is a valuable opportunity for aspiring female filmmakers to develop their skills and gain new experiences.
The Between Women Filmmakers Caravan plays a pivotal role in supporting independent women's cinema in the Arab region and the world, fostering cultural dialogue and exchanging experiences among women filmmakers from different cultures.
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