Beirut Animation Nights is an annual animation festival that showcases independent auteur animated short films, with a focus on the Mediterranean region. Founded in 2023 by award-winning Lebanese animation director Nicolas Fattouh, the festival aims to revive the animation scene in Lebanon.

Today, Beirut Animation Nights stands as the only animation festival in both Lebanon and the Levant region.

We deeply believe in the incredible animation talent, stories, and voices in the region and are committed to supporting and showcasing them both nationally and internationally.

Our vision is to bridge the gap within the local animation community—connecting animation enthusiasts, artists, producers, and industry professionals—by creating a vibrant platform for the exchange of ideas, skills, and inspiration, while collaborating with other key festivals in the MENA region as well as Europe.

Beirut Animation Nights serves as a dynamic hub for filmmakers in Lebanon to connect, collaborate, and showcase their animation work to broader audiences.

The festival is built on three core pillars:

The Artistic Program – a curated selection of compelling and emotionally resonant animated films.

The Souk – a vibrant marketplace where filmmakers can pitch their animation projects to industry professionals and potential collaborators.

The Madrasa – offering workshops, talks, and masterclasses led by renowned local and international animators, designed to nurture the next generation of talent.

Beirut Animation Nights is organized in partnership with ALBA (Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts) and Beirut Film Society, and builds a network of partnerships and collaborations with sister festivals and film associations in Lebanon and around the world.

Awards & Prizes

Festival awards are determined by a professional jury composed of animation and film industry experts, alongside audience voting—ensuring that both critical acclaim and public appreciation are celebrated.

Awards include:

- Grand Prix International Competition
- Best Arab Film
- Best Young Audience Animation
- Audience Choice Award
- Jury Special Mention(s) (where applicable)

Rules & Terms

Beirut Animation Nights – Rules and Regulations

1- Eligibility
- Beirut Animation Nights accepts animated short films from all over the world.
- Only films produced after within two years from festival dates are eligible for submission.
- All animation techniques and genres are accepted.
- The maximum duration for each submitted film is 30 minutes.

2- Language & Subtitles
- All non-English-language films must include accurate English subtitles.

3- Submission & Selection
- Submission fees are non-refundable under any circumstances, including if a film is not selected or is withdrawn by the applicant.
- Beirut Animation Nights reserves the right to accept or decline any film without obligation to provide justification.
- By submitting a film, the applicant confirms they are the rights-holder or have been duly authorized to submit the film on behalf of the rights-holder.

4- Screening Format
- Selected films must be provided in QuickTime 1080p HD 8-bit uncompressed, Apple ProRes, or an equivalent high-quality format, delivered via downloadable link.

5- Screening Fees
- The festival doesn’t pay screening fees; any required screening fees must be clearly indicated at the time of submission.
- If a screening fee is introduced after the film has been selected, Beirut Animation Nights reserves the right to revoke the selection.

6- Filmmaker Attendance & Support
- The festival offers logistical support to selected international filmmakers who wish to attend the festival in Lebanon and take part in screenings, panels, and networking events.

7- Rights & Usage
By submitting a film, the applicant grants Beirut Animation Nights the right to:
• Use excerpts (up to 10%) for promotional purposes (trailers, social media, etc.)
• Screen winning films at related events within Lebanon
• Recommend winning films to partner international festivals, subject to the filmmaker’s approval