Since November 13, a positive mood has been permeating the screenings of the 45th session of the Cairo International Film Festival, which has given a place to Lebanese cinema in its programs, including two competing films ; The first in the international competition is entitled: “Mondov” by the director Karim Kassem – two hours long – based on a script by the director and his assistant Nadia Hassan His scenes were filmed in Mount Lebanon with a budget of 80 thousand dollars and he started showing it starting on October 25 last year.
The second: “Arza” by the director Mira Shuaib, which competes in the Horizons of Arab Cinema competition, and at the same time it is Lebanon’s choice to be sent to the Oscar for the International Film National Best written by Faisal Shuaib and Louay Kallas, and its music was composed by Hani Adel, who is at the same time the husband of the heroine of the film, Diamond Bou Abboud, who gives enter the character of Arza a film in which Betty Tuttle, Bilal Al-Hamawi also participates. And a large number of honored guests are Lebanese artists.
There are 17 official competition films, including the Lebanese: “Mondov.” Among them are Arab films: “Fleeting Dreams” by the director Rashid Masharawi, which opened the festival on the 13th of this month, and “Spring Came Laughing” by the Egyptian director Noha Adel. The jury includes Bosnian director Danis Tanovic as president, Egyptian editor Ahmed Hafez, Tunisian actress Aisha Ben Ahmed, and others.
In the Arab Horizons competition, 14 tapes competed, including: “Cedars,” along with: “A State of Love” by Carole Mansour and Mona Khalidi, “Fakhr Al-Suwaidi” by Hisham Fathi, Abdullah Ba Majbour, and Osama Saleh from Saudi Arabia, “Like a Cage of Love” by Maryam Al-Hajj, “Gaza overlooking the sea” by Mahmoud Nabil Hamad, “Toll” by Abdul Mohsen Al-Sabaan, “Vacations in Palestine ” Maxim. Lyndon, “Land of Revenge” by Anis Maad, “Monya” by Mohamed Sabahi, “Salma” by Joud Saeed, “The Blue Lake” by Daoud Weld Al-Sayed, “The Bridge” by Walid Matar, “Where We Were ” by Dora, and “Who Believes” by Zeina Abdel Baqi.
How did the film festival experience influence your perspective on the international reception of Lebanese cinema?
Welcome Guests! Today, we are very fortunate to have you on World Today News to discuss the recent developments in the 45th session of the Cairo International Film Festival and the presence of two Lebanese films, “Mondov” and “Arza” in its programs. To begin with, can you tell us more about your experiences at the festival so far? Karim and Mira, can you share with us your impressions of being part of such a prestigious event and how it feels to have your films compete on an international stage?
Guest 1: It feels incredible! The Cairo International Film Festival is a remarkable platform that showcases some of the best talent from across the Arab world and beyond. The positive energy at the screenings has been palpable, and seeing our films alongside such accomplished works has been both humbling and inspiring. We’re honored to be representing Lebanon and grateful for the opportunity to share our stories with such a diverse audience.
Guest 2: Absolutely! I agree completely. It’s been wonderful to see so many people connect with our film, “Arza,” and to get feedback from industry professionals who understand the nuances of Arab cinema. The festival has provided us with a unique opportunity to network and learn from our peers, and we’re excited to see how things unfold in the coming days.
Moving on to the film selection process, both “Mondov” and “Arza” were chosen as official entries for their respective competitions. Can you tell us more about the creative processes behind these productions? How did you decide on the themes, locations, and casts for your films?
Guest 1: For “Mondov,” we wanted to create a film that highlighted the beauty and complexity of Lebanese culture. We shot in Mount Lebanon, which is a stunning location with a rich history that few outside of Lebanon are familiar with. The script was a collaborative effort between myself and my co-writer, Nadia Hassan, and we drew inspiration from our own experiences growing up in the region. As for the cast, we were lucky to work with incredibly talented actors who brought our characters to life in powerful ways.
Guest 2: With “Arza,” we wanted to explore the challenges faced by migrant workers in the Arab world,
