The Byblos International Film Festival (BIFF) will launch its first edition from August 29 to 31, 2025, featuring Lebanese and international short films in the historic city of Jbeil, Lebanon. All screenings and events are free and open to the public, reflecting BIFF’s commitment to accessibility, cultural tourism and cinematic exchange.
The Byblos International Film Festival (BIFF) is set to kick off its inaugural edition from August 29 through August 31, 2025, bringing a new cinematic celebration to one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. The festival will take place in the atmospheric open-air setting of the Jardin des Artisans in Jbeil’ historic Old Souk, showcasing Lebanese and international short films while emphasizing the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Co-founded by filmmaker Alexandra Karam and tourism professional Antoine Sfeir, BIFF is organized with support from the Municipality of Jbeil and under the patronage of Lebanon’s Ministry of Culture, specifically the Directorate General of Antiquities. The festival’s mission is to bridge cinema with historic public spaces, spotlight emerging filmmakers and foster cultural exchange through screenings, discussions and professional workshops.
“Hosting this festival in Jbeil, a city that embodies history and creativity, is a tribute to Lebanese heritage and the power of storytelling to connect cultures,” said the co-founders.
Festival Highlights
The festival opens Friday evening, August 29, with a red-carpet event and welcome reception, followed by a special outdoor screening of Liban, les secrets du royaume de Byblos by Philippe Aractingi. This documentary is co-produced with GEDEON Programs and Arte France, in partnership with Lebanon’s Ministry of Culture and the Louvre Museum. It explores the deep historical roots of the region.
Throughout the weekend, BIFF will present curated selections of national and international short films alongside special screenings including Sous le ciel d’Alice by Chloé Mazlo on August 30 and Three Summers by Sandra Kogut on August 31. Each screening will be followed by Q&A sessions with attending filmmakers.
On August 30, an indoor Heritage Session will focus on the role of cinema in cultural preservation, reinforcing BIFF’s commitment to blending artistic innovation with historical awareness.
Competition and Awards
A jury comprising notable figures from Lebanon’s film and arts community will judge the festival’s competitive sections. The jury includes actress Julia Kassar, actress and singer Stephanie Atallah, actress Isabelle Zighondi, director and actor Assaad Rechdan, Sam Lahoud (president of the Beirut Film Society) and film professor Josef Chemaly.
Awards to be presented at the festival’s closing ceremony on August 31 include:
- National Short Film Award
- International Short Film Award
- Special Jury Mentions
- Audience Awards
A Heritage-Focused Festival
Jbeil, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts over 7,000 years of continuous habitation and serves as a unique backdrop where history, archaeology and maritime culture converge. The festival aims to celebrate this heritage through its programming, which includes open-air screenings and indoor heritage sessions addressing the intersection of film and cultural preservation.
All screenings and events at BIFF are free and open to the public, reinforcing the festival’s mission to foster accessibility, cultural tourism and a shared love of cinema.
As Jbeil prepares to welcome filmmakers, cinephiles and cultural enthusiasts, the festival promises to be a vibrant new platform for storytelling, creativity and heritage.
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