This year, the Beirut Art Film Festival (BAFF) presents a rich tapestry of cultural experiences across Lebanon. In its lineup are 16 films, each delving into diverse themes such as architecture, poetry, archaeology, heritage, music, crafts, cinema and photography. These films will be showcased in 38 sessions, alongside 10 roundtable discussions led by 23 experts, all set in various locations throughout the country.
The Beirut Art Film Festival (BAFF) is now a proud member of the newly established Films on Art Network. This international network is a collective of art film festivals, fostering a dynamic culture of innovation, collaboration and shared knowledge within the art film industry. The network’s dedicated website, filmsonartnetwork.com, serves as a central hub for art film professionals, offering essential information and updates about art film festivals globally.
In light of the current challenging times, BAFF chose Beirut to launch its Winter/Spring program. This program will commence on Monday, January 22, at 5:00 PM at the Bathish Auditorium West Hall of the American University of Beirut (AUB). The event will feature the screening of After the End of the World, a film directed by Nadim Mishlawi in 2022. This 70-minute film is in Arabic with English subtitles, offering a profound cinematic experience.
→ About the movie & booking
The screening will be followed by an engaging Q&A session with the film’s director, Nadim Mishlawi, and Dr. George Arbid, the director of the Arab Center for Architecture. This presents a unique opportunity for attendees to delve deeper into the themes and making of the film. Admission to this event is free, but attendees must book their spots in advance via email.
BAFF’s Educational Initiative (October 1 – December 30, 2023 & 2024)
In partnership with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, and supported by Association Philippe Jabre, BAFF initiated an educational program. This program invited schools across Lebanon to watch the the movie La Bataille du Cèdre (→ video ) at their campuses or at the USJ Oriental Library from October 1 to December 30, 2023. Schools interested in participating in the next edition of this program, running from October 1 to December 30, 2024, can register by emailing schools@bafflebanon.org.
As part of this cultural journey, BAFF invites audiences to:
- Explore Tripoli, the 2024 Cultural Capital of the Arab World: Participants will have the opportunity to delve into the city’s unique and diverse cultural heritage. Despite the challenges posed by neglect from the Lebanese state, the resilient inhabitants of Tripoli continue to fight to preserve their rich history and culture.
- Commemorate the Gibran Kahlil Gibran Prophet Centennial: This will be marked by an exclusive exhibition at the Oriental Library of the Université Saint-Joseph (USJ). The event celebrates the centenary of Gibran’s influential work, The Prophet, reflecting on its enduring legacy.
- Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of ‘Zyara – Home of Cine Jam:’ This multi-awarded web series is renowned for its focus on social tolerance and positivity. The anniversary marks a decade of its influential storytelling and impactful themes.
- Conclude with the 10th Edition of BAFF: The festival will culminate with its 10th edition, running from November 5 to 15, 2024, at the Béryte Theater of USJ. This grand finale promises to be a celebration of a decade of BAFF’s dedication to arts and culture.
From January to June 2024, BAFF is set to host an impressive array of events. The festival will feature 16 films across a total of 38 screenings. Additionally, there will be 10 lectures and discussions led by 23 speakers, alongside 3 exhibitions. These events are scheduled to take place in various esteemed locations throughout Lebanon. These venues include Al Rabita El Sakafia in Tripoli, the Archaeological Museum and the Bathish Auditorium at the American University of Beirut (AUB), the Bibliothèque Orientale de Beyrouth at Université Saint-Joseph (USJ), the Center for Art & Humanities at AUB, the Centre de Lecture et d’Animation Culturelle in Bint Jbeil, the historical Ehden Stairs in the Municipalité de Zgharta, the Gibran Museum in Becharre, the Hammana Artist House, the Ishbilia Theater in Saïda and the Municipality of Zahle in Zahle.
These events, spread across a diverse range of venues, highlight BAFF’s commitment to making cultural and artistic experiences accessible to a broad audience, reaffirming its role as a pivotal player in the cultural landscape of Lebanon.
