Beirut International Women Film Festival (BWFF) is an annual event organized in Beirut by Beirut Film Society, under the theme “Women for Leadership” highlighting the role of women as leaders in their societies; and gathering filmmakers and cinema lovers from all over the world. BWFF tackles issues such gender equality, sexual identity, domestic violence among others through the power of the lens and cinema which is the window to society and particularly women in this case.

BWFF, which comprises films about women and/or executed by women, aims to highlight the power of women in different life situations, the festival organizers believe in promoting a positive image of women struggling with dignity to make a change in their environment.

The Phoenician Goddess Tanith is the Symbol of the festival; "Tanith" is the Great Phoenician Goddess of Carthage, known through the ancient Mediterranean, and worshipped as a chief Deity. She is a Sky Goddess who ruled over the Sun, Stars, and Moon; and as a Mother Goddess She was invoked for fertility. The palm tree is Hers, as the desert version of the Tree of Life; and as symbolic of the life-force of the Earth the serpent is Hers as well, and her other symbols include the dove, grapes and the pomegranate (both symbolic of fruitfulness and fertility), the crescent moon, and the lion.

BWFF took "Tanith" as its symbol, and the "Tanith of Beirut" as its prime award.

National Competition:
Best Lebanese Feature Film
Best Lebanese Feature Documentary
Best Lebanese Short Film
Best Lebanese Short Documentary
Best Lebanese Animated Film

International Competition:
Best Feature Fiction Film
Best Feature Documentary Film
Best Feature Animated Film
Best Short Fiction Film
Best Short Documentary Film
Best Short Animated Film

Best Female Director
Best Female Cinematographer
Best Actress

Rules and Regulations:

Filmmakers are invited to submit their original work to Beirut International Women Film Festival (BWFF) for the above listed categories and as per the assigned duration of each category.

1- FILMS PRODUCED AFTER JANUARY 1, 2023 ARE ELIGIBLE FOR SUBMISSION FOR THE COMING EDITION.

2- FOR INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILMS SUBMISSIONS, LEBANESE PREMIERE IS A MUST – FEATURE FILMS THAT WERE SCREENED PREVIOUSLY IN LEBANON WON’T BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.

3- BWFF supports travel cost for filmmakers of selected international films to Lebanon during the festival days. (Conditions apply)

4- Submission fees are non refundable and non reimbursable under any circumstances; BWFF does not reimburse any submission fees for films who are not selected for the festival program, or who withdrew their submissions at any time.

5- BWFF retains the right to accept or decline any film, for whatever reason, without any explanation.

6- Applicants admit that they are authorized to submit the film, being the rights-holders or authorized representatives of the film.

7- BWFF receives exhibition copy in QuickTime 1080p HD 8 bit uncompressed or Apple ProRes file or equivalent via a downloadable link.

8- All non-English speaking films must have adequate English subtitles.

9- Screening fees must be declared prior to or upon submission. If a screening fee is only indicated after the official selection has been announced, the festival retains the right to revoke the film's acceptance.

10- Beirut International Women Film Festival (BWFF) holds the right to:
• Use the selected films for trailers and publicity usage
• Screen the winning films in other related events inside Lebanon, and recommend the winning films to other international film festivals that collaborate with BWFF after the approval of the filmmakers.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Rena Elias

    It was a beautiful festival with amazing and dynamic selections, the ambiance was super friendly and I just loved every aspect of it! I would defiently recommend this festival to anyone looking to showcase their film in the Arab Region.

    March 2023
  • Rebecca Samarani

    What an incredible experience! This festival empowers women! I am personally honored that I took part in such festival and to have my short film premiered there. The festival offered an incredible selection of high quality films and being surrounded by such talented artists and filmmakers who support each other is exactly what Lebanon needs!
    I would like to thank all the organizers who are really nice and pleasant.
    This is what makes the best of the Festival from the opening ceremony until the end!

    March 2023
  • Reine Issa

    I had a lovely experience with the BIWFF, as my film Shattered premiered in Lebanon with them. Such a professional and dedicated team! Really organized, giving to Shattered and all the films all the love and care. From the opening ceremony to the closing one, they took care of every detail and gave it their best. If you get selected by the festival, don't think twice! It really is a beautiful opportunity to be with them.

    March 2023
  • AVATÂRA AYUSO

    Communication was great. Thanks very much for considering our film. A privilege for all of us. All the best for the future of the festival!

    March 2023
  • Jadi Carboni

    A wonderful team of amazing women!
    Thank you for the experience and the opportunity
    Best
    Jadi

    March 2023