From Beirut, living in memory, to Canadian cities where Lebanese have rebuilt their lives, dozens of films cross the ocean. What does cinema say about a homeland its people have left, but which hasn't left them?
The "Lebanese Film Festival in Canada" presents 57 films as part of its tenth edition, with screenings distributed across Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver, featuring long and short narrative films, documentaries, and animated films.
The edition launched in Montreal between May 30 and June 10, before moving to Toronto from September 18 to 21, and will continue in Vancouver from September 23 to 28.
Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the festival aims to showcase Lebanese cinematic production and introduce the works of renowned directors and emerging talents, alongside presenting Lebanese voices working in the diaspora.
The screenings are accompanied by a program of discussions and meetings with filmmakers, allowing the audience to learn about the production conditions and experiences behind the participating works.
Scene from the film A Sad and Beautiful World by director Cyril Aris, which opened the tenth edition with its Canadian premiere (Abbout Productions).
The films address a range of issues related to Lebanese society, including identity, migration, belonging, memory, and family relationships, as well as the impacts of successive wars and crises.
The programming reflects the diversity of styles in Lebanese cinema in approaching these subjects, from drama and documentaries to biographical films and short experiments.
The tenth edition opened in Montreal with the Canadian premiere of "A Sad and Beautiful World" by director Cyril Aris, attended by several filmmakers, artists, and cultural figures. The film was chosen to open the edition for its themes of memory, identity, and hope, which intersect with several participating works.
According to the festival's figures, its platform has received about 1,400 film submissions since its inception, showcased 95 Canadian premieres, and hosted over 210 guests from the film industry.
Scene from the film The Southerner, part of the Lebanese Film Festival in Canada's 2026 program (Lebanese Film Festival in Canada).
The event has also provided a window for Lebanese films outside the local market during its previous editions, connecting their creators with viewers and professionals in Canada. Additionally, its screenings have allowed the Canadian audience to discover Lebanon through cinema, beyond the image solely associated with crises and political events.
Organizing the edition in three cities carries additional significance given the Lebanese presence in Canada, as the festival is directed towards the Lebanese diaspora, while also seeking to reach a wider audience interested in Arab films and independent productions.
As it marks its tenth year, the "Lebanese Film Festival in Canada" continues to expand the space for showcasing local productions abroad, presenting cinema as a means to introduce the Lebanese cultural scene and open discussions on issues that concern Lebanese people both at home and abroad.
Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter
