The management of the Cairo International Film Festival announced in its 45th session that the Egyptian-Lebanese film “Arza” was selected to participate in the Horizons of Arab Cinema Competition in this session.
The film succeeded several days ago, because the nomination committee chose the film that will represent Lebanon in the Oscars for the Best Foreign Film to represent Lebanon. Emphasizing that this nomination is a tribute to the spirit and stability of the Lebanese people, as explained by the committee.
The film is directed by Mira Shuaib and written by Faisal Shuaib and Louay Khreis. Produced by Egyptian-American company, Ambient Light, for producer Ali Al-Arabi. He is joined by Faisal Shuaib, Louay Khreis, Zeina Badran, executive producer, and Tariq Al-Nama, and the soundtrack was produced by artist and actor Hani Adel.
The film features several actors, notably Diamond Abu Abboud, Betty Tuttle, and Bilal Al-Hamwi, along with guest stars Fadi Abi Samra, Junaid Zein Al-Din, Fouad Yammine, Elie Mitri, Tariq Tamim, Hagop Dergoghassian, Joyce Nasrallah, Shaden Fakih, and Muhammad Khansa.
Its events revolve around “Arza,” a single mother living in Beirut Stressed by life circumstances, she is forced to work hard alone to provide for her son, Kenan , and her sister, Laila.
The Egyptian film producer, Ali Al-Arabi, expressed that he was happy to choose the film to represent Lebanon in those situations that the country that loves his heart is going through. Lebanon has noticed the magnitude of the effort that has been made.
It is worth noting that this is Al-Arabi’s second nomination for a film to compete in this category, as his film, which he directed and produced, Zaatari Captains, previously took part in the Oscar contests.
The writers and producers, Faisal Shuaib and Louay Khrish, praised the film’s Oscar nomination, especially since Lebanon and its capital, Beirut, are under devastating attacks from Israel.
The director considered that the film, which was filmed in more than twenty locations, is “poetry and a love letter to Beirut,” stressing that “the character of Arza reflects the heart of Lebanon, its strength and beauty, even in the face of great difficulties, in addition to being a tribute to the strength and spirit of those who suffered, especially “Women whose courage and hope shines through the darkest times.”
The director and the two writers of the production said, “It was their lifelong dream for our film to represent Lebanon, but this moment comes amid great sadness and grief- played, and we are always afraid for the safety of our families and all of Lebanon, hoping that a ceasefire will come soon.”
Follow the bisara7a.com channel on WhatsApp to get news about Arab and international stars and celebrities. Click here
The film had its world premiere at the Beijing International Film Festival. And in North America at the Tribeca Festival. At the Newport Beach Film Festival and the Asian International Film Festival. And the World Arab Festival in Montreal. And Lebanese film festivals in Paris and Australia.
