Under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture, the Delegation of the European Union to Lebanon, in partnership with the Metropolis Cinema Association, and in cooperation with the European Union Member States, announced Thursday the 30th European Film Festival in Lebanon. This anniversary edition will be held at Metropolis Cinema (Mar Mikhael) from 8 to 17 October 2026.
The European Film Festival will open on Thursday 8 October with the French film La Vénus électrique by Pierre Salvadori. This romantic comedy opened the 79th edition of Cannes Film Festival this May 2026. (The opening night is by invitation only.)
The programme of this 30th edition presents a wide variety of screenings and events:
- 24 recent feature films from Europe allowing the audience to watch award-winning films, which were screened at major international film festivals;
- 1 classic feature film “The Turin Horse” screening in its restored copy as an Hommage to Béla Tarr;
- 1 classic feature film “La ragazza di Bube” by Luigi Comencini screening in its restored copy in tribute to Claudia Cardinale;
- 1 classic feature film “The Maids of Wilko” screening in its restored copy on the occasion of the centenary of the birth of Andrzej Wajda;
- A special Double Bill program presenting “Nouvelle Vague” by Richard Linklater, followed by the screening of the classic feature film “À bout de souffle” by Jean-Luc Godard in its restored copy;
- 1 Lebanese feature film “Dead Dog” by Sarah Francis to premiere in the presence of the film team ahead of its release in Lebanese cinemas;
- 1 Lebanese short film “Birthmark” by George Peter Barbari to premiere in the presence of the film team (screening at Cinema Montaigne – Institut français du Liban);
- 10 short films produced by emerging Lebanese filmmakers, and competing to win awards offered by Member States;
- In a newly-introduced section in the festival, two interactive animated VR Experiences will be showcased;
- 1 animation workshop in partnership with YAP Youth Animation Platform;
The feature films’ selection includes three films for the young audience, including two animations and one German film dubbed to Arabic. The Festival will invite children from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds to these screenings.
The festival welcomes in its 30th edition Bulgarian director and producer Tatyana Pandurska who will accompany the screening of her film “Wild Strawberries”, and renowned French journalist and film critic Jean-Michel Frodon who will be introducing the Classic / Hommage films.
Keeping up with its yearly tradition, the festival will present in partnership with Irtijal and Tunefork Studios a unique ciné-concert experience: “Dans la nuit”, the 1930 film by Charles Vanel, considered to be one of the last silent films in the history of French cinema, will screen in its restored copy (courtesy of Institut Lumière), accompanied by the original music of Anthony Sahyoun, Fadi Tabbal, Julia Sabra, Makram Aboul Hosn and Pavlo Wardini.
The festival continues its support to Lebanese cinema, welcoming the premiere of Lebanese feature film “Dead Dog” in the presence of the director Sarah Francis, the producer Lara Abou Saifan and the film team, ahead of its release in Lebanese cinemas. Also premiering in a special screening at Cinéma Montaigne (Institut français du Liban) the Lebanese short film “Birthmark” in the presence of the director George Peter Barbari and the producer Christelle Younes, after its successful run in international festivals following its World Premiere at the prestigious Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival.
In partnership with Fondation Liban Cinéma, the screening of the short film “Doula” will be followed by a Q&A discussion titled “Doula: Where Filmmaking Meets AI as a Creative Tool” with the director Chadi Younes and the producer Rolly Dib, exploring the practical uses of AI in filmmaking and the challenges that come with it, from shooting and visual development to post-production.
The Festival will award two prizes for the films participating in the Short Film Competition. Winners will be invited to attend a leading international film festival in Europe, in partnership with Goethe-Institut Libanon and Institut français du Liban.
In partnership with YAP Youth Animation Platform, an animation workshop will be held, allowing young participants aged 12 to 14 years old to learn about the vast and creative world of animation, and acquire technical skills needed to create small animated clips. This workshop will be given by Fadi Syriani.
The 30th edition will also include a poster exhibition, for which visual artists, graphic designers, and illustrators were invited through an open call to reimagine posters from acclaimed European films. The exhibition celebrates film poster design as a powerful creative and narrative tool, giving artists space to express their personal vision of a film.
The Festival closes on Saturday 17 October with the screenings of the Short Film Competition, followed by the Awards Ceremony. Joining the Jury this year are actor Georges Khabbaz, actress Rita Hayek and film critic & advisor Elias Doummar.
This edition’s poster was designed by Miled Sebaaly, following a competition launched online.
In its continuous effort to promote and disseminate European culture to the widest possible audience, the Festival is scheduled to run in regions across Lebanon throughout October and November, including in Saida, Jounieh and Tripoli.
Tickets: 500,000 LBP available at the cinema and via AntoineTicketing.com.
The full program is available on the website and social media accounts of:
The Delegation of the European Union to Lebanon:
http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/lebanon
@EUinLebanon on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.
@MetropolisCinema on Facebook and Instagram.
