Lebanon Cinema Days in Canada Opens with a Landmark Ceremony at Montréal’s Iconic Théâtre Rialto

October 10, 2025

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Lebanon Cinema Days in Canada Opens with a Landmark Ceremony at Montréal’s Iconic Théâtre Rialto

PRESS RELEASE – BEIRUT FILM SOCIETY

Montréal, October 1, 2025 – The 2025 edition of Lebanon Cinema Days in Canada was inaugurated on Tuesday night (October 1, 2025) with a prestigious Opening Ceremony at the historic Théâtre Rialto, marking a milestone in Lebanon’s cultural diplomacy on the international scene. Under the esteemed patronage of the Embassy of Lebanon in Canada, the festival brought together diplomats, parliamentarians, cultural leaders, artists, industry professionals, and the Lebanese-Canadian diaspora in a celebration that positioned Lebanese cinema at the heart of global dialogue.

The evening began with a solemn land acknowledgment to the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) people, situating the festival within Canada’s tradition of respect and inclusivity. From the outset, the ceremony highlighted the mission of Lebanon Cinema Days: to act as a cultural bridge between Lebanon and Canada, and to advance cinema as a tool of dialogue, belonging, and shared values on the international stage.

Strategic Positioning Through Cultural Diplomacy

In his keynote, Mr. Sam Lahoud, President of Beirut Film Society and Founder of Lebanon

Cinema Days in Canada, underlined the strategic role of the festival in strengthening Lebanon’s cultural diplomacy and positioning its cinema within the international ecosystem:

“Lebanon Cinema Days is not merely a festival – it is a platform of cultural diplomacy, a space where art becomes a strategic instrument for international understanding, resilience, and collaboration. It positions Lebanon not as a country in crisis, but as a creative hub whose stories enrich the world scene.”

A Lawyer’s Oath, A Cultural Mission – Speech of Me. Patricia Chamoun

In a powerful and emotional address, Me Patricia Chamoun, Vice President of Beirut Film Society (Canada Office), drew an inspiring parallel between her vocation as a lawyer and her mission as a cultural leader:

“Dear friends of Canada and Lebanon, When I first stood in a courtroom to take my oath as a lawyer, I swore to defend truth, to uphold justice, and to honor human dignity… This is what Lebanon Cinema Days is about. This is what we are about.”

Her heartfelt words resonated deeply with the audience, affirming the festival’s role as a moral and cultural bridge between Lebanon and Canada, founded on values of truth, justice, and human dignity.

Honoring Icons of Lebanese Cinema

The Opening Ceremony presented by the Master of Ceremony, Author & Media Figure Mme Karen Boustany, paid tribute to Carmen Lebbos, an iconic actress and symbol of resilience, honoring her life’s work with the Festival Trophy and the “Friends of Humanity” Statuette. The statuette and trophy were presented to her by Mr. Tony Nahas, Council Chairperson of the Lions, and Mr. Pierre Khoury, Director of Finance at JADCO Corporation, festival’s Presenting Sponsor.

A symbolic painting dedicated to Ziad Rahbani by artist Randa Hijazi was also unveiled, reinforcing the dialogue between memory, identity, and creation.

Three Lebanese stars – Actor Badih Abou Chakra, Actor & Singer Carlos Azar, and Actor Michel Hourany – were also recognized for their artistic commitment and enduring contribution to the cultural narrative of Lebanon at home and abroad.

Badih Abou Chakra’s statuette & trophy were presented by Dr. Roni Daoud, Treasurer of the Festival, and Mr. Eric Lauzon, Director, Community Relations & Partnerships at Air Canada. Carlos Azar’s statuette & trophy were presented by Mme Caroline Codsi Founder & CEO of

Women in Governance and Mr. Ziad Touma Producer, Director & Screenwriter. Michel Hourany’s statuette & trophy were presented by Actress Hiam Bou Chedid and Actor Hassan Mrad.

These unique statuettes, designed by Antoine Nahhas and forged from the shattered glass of the Beirut Port explosion, embody resilience and transformation, turning destruction into hope and art.

International Recognition and Artistic Performances

The jury included distinguished figures from Canada and Lebanon such as Mireille Tremblay Caron (Regard Festival’s Short Film Market), Diane Magnoux (Programming Director of CINEMANIA) , Actor Hassan Mrad, Actress Nathalie Tannous, Actor & Stand-Up Comedian Rachid Badouri, and Producer, Director & Screenwriter Ziad Touma – highlighting the

international scope and credibility of the festival’s competitions.

The ceremony featured an exceptional performance by Aritst Michel Fadel and Artist Lara Rain, in a tribute to the legend Ziad Al Rahbani, followed by a musical finale and grand celebration from Fadi Kod, DJ Eddy Rady and Violonist Shadi Jarour, underscoring Lebanon’s artistic vitality on the global stage.

Strategic Partnerships and Sponsors

The evening acknowledged the festival’s key partners, led by Presenting Sponsor JADCO Corporation, alongside Air Canada, Chamoun Legal, and Curyeux – La Clinique des Yeux as Strategic Sponsors. Platinum, Gold, and Silver partners, as well as media and community collaborators, were recognized for their contributions to ensuring the festival’s international impact.

Team Across Canada

Lebanon Cinema Days in Canada proudly announced the expansion of its organizational and community teams across several Canadian cities, including Montréal, Ottawa, Laval, Toronto,

Vancouver, Halifax, and Windsor are further strengthening their national reach and diaspora engagement.

Cultural Diplomacy in Action – Visit to Ottawa and the Embassy

The festival delegation visited Ottawa, where the team and the guests were welcomed at the

Senate of Canada. During this visit, Honorable Senator Mme. Danièle Henkel delivered a moving speech celebrating Lebanon Cinema Days in Canada as a living example of cultural diplomacy and international solidarity. Her remarks, widely shared on social media, captured the essence of Lebanese resilience and artistic excellence.

The delegation also paid a formal visit to the Embassy of Lebanon in Canada, where discussions centered on reinforcing collaboration between Lebanese institutions and diaspora-led cultural initiatives.

Ottawa Red Carpet & Film Screening

The Ottawa Team hosted an elegant red-carpet event attended by dignitaries, artists, and members of the local Lebanese community. The evening featured a special talk with the

festival’s stars followed by the screening of “West Beirut”, which received amazing feedback from the full house audience.

Full House Screenings

Throughout the festival’s five days, screenings of both short and feature films

were met with exceptional turnout. Every session was sold out, demonstrating the strong engagement of audiences and the growing appetite for Lebanese cinema among both diaspora and Canadian viewers.

A Special Conversation and Screening in Montréal

Following the honors, the audience witnessed an intimate and heartfelt conversation with Actress Carmen Lebbos, moderated by Author & Media Figure Karen Boustany, in which the celebrated actress shared personal reflections on her artistic journey, her connection to Lebanon, and her hopes for the future of Arab cinema.

The night concluded with the screening of Ziad Doueiri’s “West Beirut” and Ziad Rahbani’s legendary play “Bél Nesbeh La Bokra Chou”, creating a powerful bridge between Lebanese cinematic heritage and the present moment of cultural rebirth.

Closing Ceremony and Awards

The festival concluded with a brunch closing ceremony attended by distinguished guests and dignitaries, including the Honorary President of the Jury, Senator Mme Danièle Henkel.

members of the diplomatic corps, and the participating artists.

During the ceremony, the painting of Ziad Rahbani by artist Randa Hijazi was officially announced for auction, symbolizing the link between art and humanitarian commitment.

The winners of the Lebanon Cinema Days in Canada Awards 2025 were announced as follows: Short Films:

Best Script: Picture directed by Houssain Haidar
Best Director: I Come From the Sea directed Feyrouz Serhal
Best Short Documentary (USD 500): The Resilience of the Poppy directed by Mona Hammoud
Best Short Fiction (USD 500): Ebb & Flow directed by Nay Tabbara
Audience Magnet Award (Short Film): Tout Va Changer directed by Celine Nassar

Feature Films:

Feature Film Special Mention: The Third Rahbani directed by Feyrouz Serhal
Best Feature Documentary: Yalla Baba directed by Angie Obeid
Best Feature Fiction: Disorder directed by Lucien Abou Rjeily, Bane Fakih, Areej Hammoud, and Wissam Charaf
Film of the Year (USD 1,000): Disorder directed by by Lucien Abou Rjeily, Bane Fakih, Areej Hammoud, and Wissam Charaf
Audience Magnet Award (Feature Film): Bornstars directed by Caroline Labaki

These new Audience Magnet Awards celebrated the films that attracted the highest number of audience, reflecting the enthusiasm and connection of audiences across Canada.

Special Announcements

The festival concluded with two major announcements:

The Guest of Honor for the 2026 edition will be Actor Georges Khabbaz, one of Lebanon’s most beloved artists and cultural icons.
The Festival’s Special Guests for the 2026 edition will be Actor Wissam Fares and Actress Sara Abi Kanaan, who were warmly celebrated by the audience.

A Cultural Bridge on the International Scene

Through its rich program of premieres, conversations, and industry encounters, Lebanon Cinema Days in Canada reaffirms Lebanon’s positioning on the international cultural scene, showcasing cinema as a strategic asset for nation branding, diaspora engagement, and

intercultural dialogue.

The festival ran from October 1 to 5, 2025, strengthening the bridge between Lebanon and Canada through the universal language of film.

About Lebanon Cinema Days in Canada

Founded by Beirut Film Society, Lebanon Cinema Days in Canada is a flagship initiative of Lebanon’s cultural diplomacy, connecting the country with its global diaspora and positioning Lebanese cinema on the international map. Guided by values of integrity, transparency, and inclusion, the festival brings together artists, institutions, and audiences in a shared

commitment to dialogue, resilience, and creativity.

With the establishment of the Beirut Film Society Canada Office, this mission now has a

permanent home in Canada serving as a bridge for cultural exchange, professional partnerships, and continued cooperation between Lebanese and Canadian creators.