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Daniela Stephan is a young Lebanese filmmaker and photographer based in London, she is rapidly gaining recognition through numerous awards early in her promising career.
Daniela is a 2018 graduate in cinematography from the Lebanese Academy of Fine Arts in Beirut. She then moved to the United Kingdom to continue her education. She earned a master’s degree in directing from the London Film School in 2021. Before finding her niche in writing and directing, Daniela explored various roles in the film industry. Her short films address themes such as identity, belonging and the socio-political and environmental challenges faced in her hometown of Beirut.
Her 2019 film, Mummy Blue, delves into the theme of intergenerational trauma passed from mother to daughter. Daniela describes how her Lebanese heritage imbued her with a sense of nostalgia and melancholy, which she sought to portray in Mummy Blue through a protagonist who, though not born in Lebanon, inherits unexperienced memories of trauma.
The Sun Sets On Beirut (2022) tells the story of a young girl searching for her lost cat following the Beirut port explosion. Featuring performances by Marilyne Naaman, Pio Chahine and Jo McGarry, the film blends humor and depth, sadness and hope, set against the backdrop of Beirut’s ravaged cityscape. It was acquired in 2023 by MAD Solutions for distribution.
These short films have been recognized at numerous international festivals, showcasing Daniela’s narrative talent and unique vision. She won the Best Director award at the 2022 Tokyo International Short Film Festival for Mummy Blue, among other accolades in 2023, including the Jury Prize and Audience Award at the Beirut Women Film Festival.
Her work was also featured at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival Market. Daniela is currently working on her first feature film, scheduled for release in 2025. As a photographer, she blends her pictorial vision with her cultural heritage, creating poetic images that evoke thought, emotion and contemplation.
Thus, Daniela Stephan is an emerging Lebanese filmmaker, already an international award winner, promising many more inspiring cinematic moments. A bright Lebanese hope in the world of art!
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