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The 2025 Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival honors Lebanese cinema with a remarkable “Focus Liban section,” showcasing the work of Wissam Charaf, among others. The filmmaker, who is a regular at the festival, is hosting a masterclass and is the focus of a dedicated screening session as part of the “Focus Liban” program, featuring four of his short films. For the occasion, This is Beirut interviewed Wissam Charaf.
The Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, which began on Friday, January 31, and runs until Saturday, February 8, is an unmissable event for cinema enthusiasts. For its 47th edition, the festival highlights Lebanon through an exceptional selection of short films. Some filmmakers are given special recognition, with sessions dedicated to their work, such as filmmaker and journalist Jocelyne Saab and Lebanese filmmaker Wissam Charaf. Over the week, audiences have the opportunity to discover or rediscover four of Charaf's short films: Hizz ya wizz, Souvenir inoubliable d’un ami, Pas de panique, and Si le soleil plongeait dans l’océan des nues. These are all screened during one of the six “Focus Liban” sessions, specifically Session 4.
Wissam Charaf, a multiple award-winner at Clermont-Ferrand, is no stranger to the event. In 2021, he even served as a jury member. With firsthand knowledge of the selection and deliberation process, he acknowledges that being a juror is no easy task. It is more than a responsibility, it is an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, debates and ultimately select a film that resonates with all jury members. “Each jury has its own criteria, but the interesting part is the discussion, finding consensus. The goal is to choose a film that stands out for everyone,” he shared in an interview with This is Beirut.
Having three Lebanese films in competition already holds significant value, as it allows them to reach a wider audience and spark in-depth discussions among a jury of professionals. For Charaf, the general recognition of all the films screened at Clermont-Ferrand is “a precious opportunity to discover and rediscover the richness of Lebanese cinema—a cinema that has much to say and convey, even in difficult times.” Wissam Charaf is a cornerstone of this Lebanese cinema, as evidenced by the fact that one of his films is featured on the festival’s official poster.
Audiences also had the chance to delve deeper into his journey and work during his masterclass held on Tuesday, February 4, at Clermont-Ferrand’s IADT. Charaf’s unique style—blending drama, violence, situational comed and burlesque—is rooted in his love for comic books, cartoons and absurd humor. His films draw inspiration from everyday life, crafting narratives where the dramatic intertwines with the humorous. His work often revolves around seemingly mundane scenes from daily life, with the absurdity of these moments driving a deeper reflection. Charaf thus develops characters and builds stories that transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. He describes his films as a form of personal revenge, often against figures of authority, like the security guard in Si le soleil plongeait dans l’océan des nues.
In addition to his storytelling and humor, Charaf is recognized for his technical approach to filmmaking. He emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation, which allows him to handle unexpected challenges on set. “You have to find solutions,” he often repeats during his masterclass. This meticulous preparation enables him to work efficiently, even within tight budgets and schedules. Charaf is deeply involved in the editing process, creating an initial version himself before handing it to his editor to refine further.
Music also plays a vital role in his films. With a background in radio, Charaf has a particular sensitivity to music. For his films, he acquires the rights to songs he loves or collaborates with his musician friend Zeid Moultaka to compose original scores.
This “Focus Liban,” showcased through his films and masterclass, serves as a significant platform not only for Wissam Charaf but also for Lebanese cinema as a whole.
At a time when Lebanon is navigating complex challenges, this international visibility acts as a beacon of hope, shedding light on the creativity and resilience of Lebanese artists, such as Wissam Charaf, a filmmaker and an active figure in the cinematic scene.
Through its exceptional programming, the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival invites us to explore a rich and nuanced Lebanese cinema, inevitably carrying profound messages of hope.
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