The Woman Who Walked Between Worlds
BEHIND THE POSTER
“The Woman Who Walked Between Worlds”:
In the heart of Beirut, where history whispers through the balconies and the sea breeze carries echoes of forgotten voices, stood a woman—Zainab Fawwaz, a pioneering Lebanese writer, feminist, and intellectual who defied societal norms in the late 19th century. She stands at the heart of the composition, embodying the essence of leadership, empowerment, and the enduring strength of women in social change. She was neither of the past nor the present; she walked between worlds, bridging time with her power.
Born in an era that sought to silence her, Zainab refused to be confined. She carved her path writing against injustice, demanding a space for women. But her journey was not without wounds. Within the silhouette of Zainab Fawwaz, subtle yet powerful symbolic wounds near the heart suggest a process of healing—both personal and collective. This embodies the festival’s mission: to highlight women’s stories of pain, resilience, and triumph, while fostering conversations that mend wounds and pave the way for a more inclusive future. Every word she wrote left a scar—some seen, some hidden beneath the surface, near her heart. Yet, like the land she came from, she healed.
One day, as she wandered through the changing landscapes of Lebanon, she found herself between two realms. To her left, the modern city stretched high into the sky, balconies filled with stories of women standing, waiting, watching. To her right, nature bloomed in defiance, a path of flowers leading into the unknown, as if inviting her to step forward.
She reached out and plucked a Cyclamen flower, the delicate yet unbreakable symbol of her homeland. It fit perfectly between her fingers—a reminder of resilience, of how even the smallest bloom could thrive in the harshest terrain.
A gust of wind carried whispers from the past, voices of women like her, who had fought, loved, lost, and risen again. Zainab listened. She turned toward the horizon, painted in shades of dusk and dawn, knowing that change was not a single moment, but a journey.
She gave a firm look.
And she walked forward.
Because the road to leadership is never given—it is taken, step by step, by those who dare to rebuild, to reclaim, to dream beyond the ruins of yesterday.
#BWFF2025
#WomenForLeadership
MEET THE ARTIST BEHIND THE POSTER
Najwa Mallah, Head of Branding and Design
Najwa Mallah is a Beirut based Art Director, she holds a BA in Multimedia and an MA in Design.
Najwa has built a diverse career through small and large-scale projects across various
industries. Najwa draws inspiration from everyday life to craft innovative ideas that resonate with audiences. Whether working with teams or independently, Najwa is always on the lookout for new ways to push the boundaries of design while maintaining a focus on quality and client vision.
Najwa is the Head of Branding and Design at Beirut Film Society; among her work is the Beirut Shorts International Film Festival and the Beirut International Women Film Festival. and others.
APRIL 27 TILL MAY 3, 2025
8TH EDITION OF THE BEIRUT INTERNATIONAL WOMEN FILM FESTIVAL
ORGANIZED BY
BEIRUT FILM SOCIETY
Beirut Film Society is a Non-for Profit Lebanese organization situated in Beirut, working since 2007 on promoting for “responsible filmmaking”.
Beirut Film Society works on introducing cinema culture as an educative tool to human rights and ethics; and on spreading the Lebanese culture though cinema when and where possible.
Our mission comprises improving the filmmaking industry, empowering and supporting talents and creativity, reinforcing the concept of “responsible filmmaking”, and above all staying committed to its social responsibility in Lebanon and the Arab world, and far beyond.
BFS aims to shape the future of the film industry, by presenting Lebanon as a diverse filming location, and by providing data about film personnel, and other needed filming logistics, to the international companies and filmmakers in order to help them produce high quality audiovisual and film content.
GIRLS FOR CHANGE
.png/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:1240,h:620,cg:true)
Girls For Change
GIRLS FOR CHANGE program continues to be an initiative created and developed by Beirut Film Society to train Lebanese and Syrian girls between 13 and 18 years old living in the most vulnerable areas in Lebanon on how to use Audio Visual and Film to seek
change and to express themselves.
The training program, covered so far most Lebanese regions, with more than 500 beneficiaries resulting the production of more than 30 short films written and directed by the girls under the supervision of BFS team of trainers.
In this program, Beirut International Women Film Festival & Beirut International Children and Family Film Festival are committed to social issues and aim to contribute to the SDG's 4 and 5, Quality Education and Gender Equality.
NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Welcome to the Beirut International Women Film Festival 2024,
As we gather once again to celebrate the power of storytelling and the resilience of women in the film industry, it's crucial to reflect on the progress we've made and the challenges that still lie ahead.
Our commitment to gender equality in the audiovisual sector remains steadfast. We stand firm in our belief that women and men must join forces to create a future where creative expression knows no bounds, where opportunities are equally accessible to all, and where diversity thrives.
In the face of structural underrepresentation and systemic barriers, we recognize the urgent need for change. We refuse to accept the status quo that perpetuates inequalities and stifles the voices of women and marginalized communities. Instead, we choose to envision a world where every individual can realize their human rights without discrimination or fear.
As we look to the future, let us seize this moment to reimagine the very foundations of our industry. Let us build an economic model that values care for both people and planet, prioritizing sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.
The Beirut International Women Film Festival is not just a platform for showcasing talent; it is a catalyst for transformation. By amplifying the voices of women filmmakers and challenging the culture of male dominance, we pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive film industry.
Today, we call upon policymakers and decision-makers to take decisive action. We demand the repeal of discriminatory laws, the implementation of special measures and quotas for equal representation, and the enforcement of equal pay and job protection policies. We urge national and global leaders to make concrete commitments to change the lives of women, transforming rhetoric into reality.
To all women, we say: Your power is not something to be bestowed upon you; it is something to be claimed. Raise your voice, stand your ground, and continue to demand the respect and recognition you deserve.
Together, let us chart a course towards a future where every story is heard, every talent is nurtured, and every individual is empowered to shine.
Welcome to the Beirut International Women Film Festival 2024.
Let the journey begin.
Sam Lahoud
Founder, President – Beirut Film Society
Founder, Director – Beirut International Women Film Festival