Nadine Labaki Joins Venice International Film Festival Jury

Renowned Lebanese filmmaker Nadine Labaki has been selected to join the jury at the prestigious Venice International Film Festival 2023. Known for its celebration of diverse and groundbreaking cinema, the iconic event which sees an attendance of around 130,000 film professionals has chosen Labaki as a member of its jury for the Impact award.

Congrats to the Lebanese Director/Actress @NadineLabaki for being chosen as a Jury Member for the Industry-Leading Impact Award at the 80th Edition of @la_Biennale pic.twitter.com/zvGAzg1LgI

— Arab Cinema Center (@ArabCinemaCntr) August 13, 2023

According to Variety, “impact campaigns are crafted around documentaries and some narrative films that have strong social or political messages that can inspire action among audiences and the industry at large.” This marks the first time an impact-specific award is being presented at an A-list festival.

From her 2007 breakthrough with Caramel to 2018’s Capernaum, Labaki has demonstrated a commitment to profound and impactful storytelling in her work. This has clearly been appreciated worldwide with the Capernaum becoming highest-grossing Arabic and Middle-Eastern film of all time, earning over $68 million internationally, two prizes at the Cannes Film Festival and an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.

She will be joined by French actor and producer Elsa Zylberstein, Mexican actor Yalitza Aparicio, British-Nigerian screenwriter Misan Sagay, and Italian director Stefano Savona on the award’s jury. They will be assessing films based on their “artistic creativity and uniqueness; their relevance and need in the global political climate; their potential to challenge audience perspectives on issues presented; and their potential to inspire audiences to take action.”

It is great to see Lebanese filmmakers ascend to the highest levels of global cinema, and we hope to see many more actors, directors, and producers make similar breakthroughs. Speaking of Lebanese cinema, tired of waiting for Barbie to make its way here? These 4 Lebanese alternatives, including Labaki’s Caramel, should keep you entertained till then.