By Lynn Abou Hamzeh | Staff Writer
The Beirut International Women Film Festival (BWFF) is kicking off the month of March by highlighting the role of women as leaders in society. Established in 2017, the festival aims to empower women in the film industry and challenge the negative stereotypes that have been imposed upon them. This year’s theme, “Women for Leadership,” draws attention to the fact that women are systematically underrepresented in high-level decision-making roles.
The BWFF’s mission is inspired by the Beirut Film Society’s mission statement, which seeks to provide equal opportunities for Lebanese and foreign women filmmakers. The festival aims to educate future generations of filmmakers on gender equality, showcase success stories of women in cinema, and challenge the way in which women are typically portrayed. The festival’s latest edition received over 1200 submissions from more than 100 countries.
The festival’s director has set a goal of achieving a 50/50 gender distribution in the global film industry. Women continue to be underrepresented in positions of power, and the festival is committed to promoting gender equality in the audiovisual sector. The festival believes that men and women should work together towards this goal in order to create a more equal, sustainable, and innovative world where everyone can realize their human rights without discrimination or fear.
The month of March provides an ideal opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women in various fields, including film. While women have significantly contributed to the film industry, their representation remains a concern. Many women face obstacles such as pay gaps, stereotyping, and limited opportunities for leadership roles. The BWFF provides a platform for women to showcase their work and inspire future generations of women filmmakers.
The opening ceremony of the Beirut International Women Film Festival will be held at Casino Du Liban on March 5, while the rest of the screenings will be held from March 6th until the 10th at Grand Cinemas in ABC Dbayeh (tickets are free of charge). It is an
excellent opportunity for film lovers to discover the work of talented women filmmakers from around the world, featuring countries like Jordan, Iran, Ethiopia, Sudan, Germany, France, and Australia.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day this month, let us also celebrate the achievements of women in film and support initiatives like the BWFF that promote gender equality and empower women in the film industry.