Together with the Palestinian and Moroccan film industry, the Lebanese movies are one of my favorites. People told me in the past that I have a weird taste in movies. For me to love a movie, it should talk to me, it should move me. And it’s not just about the movie, but I love nice landscapes and excellent music.
I wanted to make a top 3 of Lebanese movies, but I couldn’t really decide so it became a top 5.
In random order:
33 Days (Arabic title: ٣٣ يوم )
Directed by: Mai Masri – IMDB Rating: N/A
Awards:
- Nomination for Best Documentary Feature film @ Asia Pacific Screen Awards, 2008
Under the bombs – تحت القصف
(Original title: Sous les bombes)
Directed by Philippe Aractingi – IMDB Rating: 7,1
Awards:
- 3 awards (Best Actress, Prize of Ecumenical Jury, FIPRESCI Prize) and 1 nomination (GRAND PRIX) @ Bratislava International Film Festival, 2008
- Muhr award for Best Actress and Best Film @ Dubai International Film Festival, 2007
- Nomination for Grand Jury Prize @ Sundance Film Festival, 2008
- 2 awards (Alternate Vision Award, EIUC Award) @ Venice Film Festival, 2008
Caramel – سكر بنات
Directed by Nadine Labaki – IMDB Rating: 7,0
Awards:
- Nomination for Silver Condor @ Argentinean Film Critics Association Awards, 2009
- 3 nominations (Best Film, Best performance by actress, Achievement in directing) @ Asia Pacific Screen Awards, 2007
- Award for Best Feature @ Oslo Films from the South Festival, 2007
- 3 awards (Audience, Sebastian & Youth Jury Award) @ San Sebastián International Film Festival, 2007
- Nominated for Best Motion Picture, Foreign Language @ Satellite Awards, 2008
- FIPRESCI Prize @ Stockholm Film Festival, 2007
Zozo – زوزو
Directed by Josef Fares – IMDB Rating: 6,7
Awards:
- 2 awards (Adult’s Jury & Children’s Jury Award) @ Chicago International Children’s Film Festival, 2006
- Best Screenplay Award @ Fajr Film Festival, 2006
- 2 awards (Best Achievement, Best Cinematography) and 3 nominations (Best Film, Best Screenplay, Best Direction) @ Guldbagge Awards, 2006
- Film Prize @ Nordic Council, 2006
The kite – طيارة من ورق
(Original title: Le Cerf-Volant)
Directed by Randa Chahal Sabag – IMDB Rating: 6,9
Awards:
- Nomination for Golden Dolphin @ Festróia – Tróia International Film Festival, 2004
- TV5 Award @ Mons International Festival of Love Films, 2004
- Nomination for Golden Spike @ Valladolid International Film Festival, 2003
- 3 awards (Cinema for Peace, Grand Special Jury Prize, Laterna Magica Prize) and 1 nomination (Golden Lion) @ Venice Film Festival, 2003
PS: I haven’t seen Nadine Labaki’s latest “Where do we go now?” yet, so that’s why it isn’t in the list.