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The Beirut International Women Film Festival (BWFF) returns for its 8th edition, once again highlighting the unparalleled contributions of women to the world of cinema. Organized by the Beirut Film Society, the festival serves as a platform showcasing narratives centered on women, symbolizing change within the industry and society. This year’s event will take place from April 27 to May 3.
The 8th edition of the Beirut International Women Film Festival 2025 unveils its official poster featuring Zainab Fawwaz, a pioneering Lebanese writer and feminist of the late 19th century, who challenged societal norms and paved the way for women's voices. Standing at the crossroads of tradition and modernity, she embraced leadership as a path taken through determination. Inspired by the voices of past women, she moved forward, embodying the strength to rebuild, reclaim and shape a future beyond the past. Her journey embodies resilience, leadership and empowerment, symbolized by the Cyclamen flower—thriving even in adversity.
From April 27 to May 3, the festival celebrates the women who have shaped history and continue to drive change.
The Origins of BWFF: A Vision Rooted in Change
Sam Lahoud traces the origins of the Beirut International Women Film Festival (BWFF) back to an idea conceived in 2013, which later evolved through the production and success of the film Void (Waynon). Recognized at multiple international women’s film festivals, Void played a crucial role in shaping the vision for BWFF: “The genesis of the festival dates back to 2013-2014, inspired by our involvement in the production of Void, written by Georges Khabbaz. With its thematic focus on women, what truly propelled us forward was the film’s reception at various international festivals.” This initial exposure to the global movement for women's representation in cinema ultimately led to the creation of BWFF.
Addressing Female Representation in Media
One of the key motivations behind BWFF was the significant disparity in female representation in the film industry. Sam Lahoud is fully aware of the stereotypes and biases that led to the festival’s inception, as research and discussions had uncovered a highly distorted portrayal of women on screen, where narratives often confined them to roles as victims or marginalized figures. Moreover, he did not overlook the stark contrast between the high percentage of female film school graduates and their significantly lower representation in leadership positions within the industry, which remains at only about 10 to 12%.
The Selection Process: A Commitment to Diversity
Sam Lahoud emphasizes the rigorous selection process behind BWFF, ensuring a diverse and inspiring array of stories, “Each year, we receive between 1,500 and 1,800 film submissions. Our selection process is meticulous, beginning with a preselection phase that narrows down to a final shortlist based on thematic relevance, genre and the director’s gender.” The festival remains committed to breaking stereotypes and nurturing a wide range of perspectives.
A Catalyst for Social Transformation
BWFF continues to thrive despite facing considerable challenges, primarily due to Lebanon's instability and financial constraints. Nevertheless, Sam Lahoud remains convinced of cinema’s ability to inspire change. He sees the festival as a platform for societal transformation. To him, “The festival is not pretentious, but it aims to be a high-quality event capable of making a major impact on media and society. I firmly believe that cinema can provoke change.”
While instant change may be too ambitious, cinema remains a medium that opens doors to awareness and dialogue, gradually influencing societal norms and perceptions. With a yearly edition, especially in times of turmoil, BWFF reaffirms its status as a source of inspiration for a new generation of filmmakers and audiences, ultimately reshaping the media landscape and the portrayal of women in film and television— a vision Sam Lahoud strongly believes in.
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