Now in its eighth year and filled with special events, it offering a fascinating immersion into Lebanese cinema, arts and culture.
After walking the red carpet at Bryan Brown Theatre from 6.45pm, opening night patrons can indulge in Lebanese canapes, wine and beer, followed by formalities where LFF Patron Brown AM will officially open the festival, before the film screening of ‘Wanted’, directed by Nibal Arakji, with popcorn provided; patrons will finish the night on a sweet note with Lebanese coffee and dessert, all inclusive in the ticket price.
Paying tribute to the late Georges Nasser, his 1957 film, ‘Ila Ayn’, will also screen and was Lebanon’s first entry at the Cannes Film Festival, giving filmgoers a snapshot of Lebanon in the 1950s.
Among the many offerings, Lebanese Australian filmmaker, Paul Barakat’s film, ‘Kairos’, touches on disability and identity, following the journey of a man with Down Syndrome, and his mentor, an ex-boxer, who must deal with the fallout of a violent incident that threatens to destroy them both.
Lebanese Australian filmmaker, George Basha’s film, ‘The Combination: Redemption’ will also screen as part of the line up.
In partnership with HOYTS, LFF will host a Girls Night Out on Thursday, August 29, where romantic drama, ‘Listen’, directed by Phillipe Aractangi, will be screened.
In partnership with the Australian Film and Radio Television school (AFTRS), LFF will host a evening of short film screenings at the AFTRS theatre, accompanied with a pop up bar with Lebanese drinks available for purchase. Tickets are free but attendees have to register via the website
Among the shorts is local film ‘The Strength of Lace’. In collaboration with Bankstown Youth Development Service and the Stories of Strength project, this film explores a snapshot of the relationship between mother and daughter, and the hardships of migrant life in Western Sydney.
For more info about the films, Q & As and other special events on offer, visit lff.org.au/films, with tickets on sale now.
Lebanese Film Fest to offer fascinating insight
FEATURING a brush with Christ, romantic drama and a range of other inspiring tales including film great Bryan Brown’s latest flick ‘Palm Beach’, goodie bags and classic drinks and treats, the Lebanese Film Festival (LFF) returns to Bankstown next Friday, August 23, and is on offer until Saturday, September 7.