Entertainment · Film · 9 hrs ago
Beirut short film festival draws 3,500 after months of war
Beirut’s short film festival drew 3,500 people to screenings from November 2 to 6, even after months of war between Israel and Hezbollah.
The annual event was held at Metropolis Cinema in Beirut’s Mar Mikhael district, with audiences gathering despite fears of renewed violence and widespread fatigue.
The festival showcases short films from Lebanon and around the world, with a focus on emerging filmmakers and young talent.
Founded in 2007, it is Lebanon’s first film festival whose winners in three categories can qualify for Oscar consideration.
No Dead Ends won the audience choice award; it was co-directed by AFP photojournalist Christina Assi and Rani Nasser.
Assi lost her leg in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon in 2023, and the film follows her recovery and fight against impunity.
The festival’s turnout showed a strong appetite for art and connection, while Assi said she wanted viewers to remember the human impact of attacks on journalists.
The 20th Beirut Shorts International Film Festival drew 3,500 attendees, its co-founder and director Sam Lahoud said.
The festival ran from November 2 to 6 at Metropolis Cinema in Beirut’s Mar Mikhael district.
It attracted large crowds despite fears of renewed violence and fatigue after months of war between Israel and Hezbollah.
The annual festival showcases short films from Lebanon and around the world, with a focus on emerging filmmakers and young talent.
No Dead Ends, co-directed by Christina Assi and Rani Nasser, won the Audience Choice Award.
- Who
- The festival drew 3,500 attendees. It was organised by the Beirut Film Society.
- What
- The 20th Beirut Shorts International Film Festival showcased short films from Lebanon and around the world.
- When
- November 2 to 6, 2026.
- Where
- Metropolis Cinema in Beirut’s Mar Mikhael district.
- Why
- The festival celebrates short films and gives particular emphasis to emerging filmmakers and young talent.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Beirut Shorts International Film Festival was founded.
Christina Assi lost her leg in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon.
Full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah erupted.
The festival was held at Metropolis Cinema in Beirut.
- Attendance
- 3,500
- Venue
- Metropolis Cinema, Mar Mikhael district, Beirut
- Festival dates
- November 2–6, 2026
- Festival sections
- Seven
- Best Lebanese Short Film
- A Few Moments of Happiness by Shaden Tazi
- Audience Choice Award
- No Dead Ends, co-directed by Christina Assi and Rani Nasser
What people are saying
People are eager to see each other again and experience live, interactive events. I’m not surprised by the turnout, but I’m very happy about it. There’s a real thirst for art and social connection
Honestly, I didn't expect such overwhelming positive feedback or such a great turnout
I want the audience to realise that behind every targeted journalist, there is a human being whose life was forever changed. People tend to forget that we aren't just numbers