Coming Back A New Chapter Begins

Beirut International
Film Festival

Championing the best in Middle Eastern and World Cinema

After years of anticipation, we are preparing our return. Join us as we continue bridging cultures through the art of cinema.

18 Historic Editions
835 Films Archived
28 Years of Legacy
Explore Our Legacy Stay Updated
Discover our story
Our Journey

From Pause to Renaissance

Since 1997, the Beirut International Film Festival has been a beacon of cultural exchange and cinematic excellence in the Middle East. After a necessary pause due to regional challenges, we're excited to announce preparations for our return.

While we prepare for a new chapter, explore our rich archive spanning 18 editions, featuring over 835 carefully curated films from Lebanon, the Arab world, and beyond.

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Cultural Bridge

Connecting audiences with the best Middle Eastern and international films of the year

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Award-Winning

Recognizing excellence in filmmaking across 3 categories (short, documentary and feature films)

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Community

Building lasting connections between filmmakers and audiences

Our Legacy Timeline

1997
First edition launched
2003
Beirut Film Foundation created
2011
Record 88 films showcased
2019
18th edition concluded
2025
Preparing our return...

Explore Our Archive

Discover 18 editions of cinematic excellence while we prepare for the future

2019
Edition 18
42 Films
4 Sections

Featured Sections:

Panorama • Documentary • +2 more

Explore Edition
2017
Edition 17
58 Films
4 Sections

Featured Sections:

Panorama • Middle Eastern Competition • +2 more

Explore Edition
2016
Edition 16
72 Films
4 Sections

Featured Sections:

Panorama • Middle Eastern Competition • +2 more

Explore Edition
Browse Complete Archive

Latest News

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BIFF 2019: Complete Festival Coverage & Award Winners
Festival News

BIFF 2019: Complete Festival Coverage & Award Winners

Complete coverage of the 18th Beirut International Film Festival (2019), featuring 42 films from around the world and celebrating award winners including McQueen, Wasati, and films from Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Iran, Turkey, and the UK.

2019 19th Edition Awards
BIFF 18th and 19th editions announced
News

BIFF 18th and 19th editions announced

We are amazingly pleased and happy to announce that BIFF is back! The 18th Edition will take place from the 22nd to the 28th of April 2019. The program will be announced soon.

2019
Iranian and Turkish movies win most of the awards
News

Iranian and Turkish movies win most of the awards

The Iranian and Turkish movies shown during the 17th edition of Beirut International Film Festival have won four out of the five prizes awarded on Thursday night, for the categories of documentaries and short movies.

2017

Festival Programme

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The Mid East Film Competition

Our official competition of the best films of the year, competing in 3 categories, sanctioned by a fully independent jury of industry experts and professionals.

Short Films • Documentary Films • Feature Films

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International Panorama

(Out of Competition)

Gems of the world cinema that would not typically be shown in Lebanon, curated by the selection committee for audiences to enjoy.

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Cultural Exchange

Engaging audiences with festival guests from the region and beyond to present, discuss and debate the year's films and our shared passion for cinema.

Dive Into Our Cinematic Journey

Explore 835 carefully curated films across 18 historic editions. From Lebanese cinema to international masterpieces, discover the stories that shaped our festival.

Enter the Archive