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The intertwining of cinematic art and the commitment to environmental conservation in Lebanon is gaining momentum with the launch of the “Biodiversity and Cinema” project. This distinctive initiative aims to highlight the country’s natural heritage, merging filmmakers’ expertise with that of environmental advocates.
“Biodiversity and Cinema” is an ambitious initiative set on bridging the worlds of cinema and environmental conservation. Its design is meant to illuminate and celebrate Lebanon’s abundant biodiversity. By bringing together the expertise of filmmakers and environmental specialists, the project hopes to make a profound impact by raising awareness about the preservation of Lebanon’s natural legacy.
The pivotal first phase of this initiative kicked off on October 3 with a call for applications, which will remain open until November 6. This call specifically targets film directors and anyone deeply involved in environmental affairs. Whether you are a researcher, an environmental activist, a member of an association, a mountain guide or any other stakeholder in the field, everyone fitting this profile and residing in Lebanon is urged to apply. For further details including eligibility criteria and the application form, potential candidates must consult the official website: www.ruralencounters.org.
A professional jury will select up to 20 applicants from the pool of entrants. These fortunate candidates will have the unique opportunity to partake in a biodiversity-focused residency at the Hammana Artist House in December. This immersive experience will include a week of lectures, workshops and hands-on activities in nature. A novel feature of the program will be the pairing of participants into duos, each consisting of a filmmaker and an environmental specialist. These pairs will be tasked with conceptualizing and proposing a short film project. Out of all the submissions, five will be chosen to receive funding for the production of their films.
These short films, a testament to this unique collaboration, will premiere at a special event in April 2024 at the Hammana Artist House. The journey won’t end there, as they will also be showcased at various festivals and events throughout 2024 and will be made available on the platform www.aflamuna.online. They are not only meant to serve as artistic pieces but also as educational tools to enlighten the public about Lebanon’s invaluable biodiversity.
This endeavor is a collaborative effort between the Hammana Artist House, the REEF collective (Rural Encounters on Environment and Film) and the Aflamuna association (formerly known as Beirut DC). It also enjoys the support of the French Embassy and is coordinated in partnership with the Lebanon Eco Movement.
For any further information or clarifications, the public is encouraged to reach out to the organization via email at the following address: info@ruralencounters.org.