Cannes Festival puts Lebanon in the spotlight

Directed by Australian-Lebanese filmmaker and journalist Daizy Gedeon, the documentary follows her personal and independent analysis of the situation in Lebanon, which has been plunged into turmoil by the multiple tragedies the country has faced. 

Gedeon, who had to flee Lebanon in the 1970s during the country’s civil war, did not hesitate to take to social media to express her pride at being chosen for the award. She said on Instagram: “I am so honoured to have received the Better World Fund Movie That Matters Award for my film“. This film exposes all the hellish forces that are currently at work to ruin my beautiful homeland, Lebanon“.

Shot over four years and on four continents, the film highlights the October 2019 revolution and the global social justice movement that has been unleashed among the millions of Lebanese in the diaspora, all of whom have mobilised to support their families and friends back home.

The documentary also features exclusive interviews with key political leaders such as Prime Minister Saad Hariri, former Justice Minister Salim Jreissati, Hezbollah Minister Muhammad Fneich and Central Bank Governor Riad Salame.

About the Award: Established in 2016, the Movie That Matters Award is a rare honour given by filmfestivals.com to filmmakers with a strong and inspiring message. Only a handful of films have received this award since its inception.