THE 8TH EDITION OF THE BEIRUT INTERNATIONAL WOMEN FILM FESTIVAL WILL BE CELEBRATED FROM APRIL 27 TILL MAY 3, 2025.

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.

Awards & Prizes

BWFF offers financial cash awards for the best films in each category.

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 Fiction Film
Best Lebanese Feature Documentary Film
Best Lebanese Short Fiction Film
Best Lebanese Short Documentary Film
Best Lebanese Animated Film
Best Lebanese Experimental 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 Short Experimental Film

Best Female Director
Best Female Cinematographer
Best Actress

Rules & Terms

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, 2024 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.
129 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
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  • Editta Braun

    We are truly honored that our film Luvos Migrations was selected to be part of the 2025 edition of the Beirut International Women Film Festival. It was a wonderful experience to be included in a festival that celebrates women's voices and diverse stories from around the world. The communication was clear and professional throughout, and the dedication of the organizers to creating a meaningful and inspiring platform was evident. We are grateful for the opportunity and look forward to submitting again in the future!

    May 2025
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  • Vladan Nikolic

    Truly excellent festival with dedicated leadership.

    May 2025
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  • Loulwa Khoury

    I have had the pleasure to attend and screen my film We Never Left at BWFF in my hometown. I recommend the festival for its diversity of films and hospitality, but also, you will meet a lovely team and great filmmakers as well.
    Thank you BWFF. Until next time!

    May 2025
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  • Micheline Nasrany

    I was truly honored to have my documentary Behind the Filter selected for screening at the Beirut International Women Film Festival. Being shortlisted among such powerful works was a privilege. The organization, follow-ups, and the entire festival experience were outstanding from start to finish. Thank you infinitely for the opportunity. Deep respect and appreciation to the incredible professionals behind this inspiring and well-executed festival.

    May 2025
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  • PAULINE NAWWAR

    The Beirut International Women Film Festival was truly a beautiful experience. The opening ceremony was luxurious, professional, and felt like the big international festivals , it was like living a dream. A perfect start to an unforgettable week. Everything was so well organized, with so much care in every detail.

    The jury was very professional, and the film selection (both international and local ) was outstanding. Every film had something powerful to say. The festival team was incredibly kind, always smiling and ready to help, making everyone feel like family.

    I am truly grateful for this amazing experience and so proud to have been part of it. I will always remember the warmth, beauty, and love I felt at BIWFF. I can’t wait to come back again! Thank you thank you thank you

    May 2025
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