In the heart of Lebanon, where ancient cedars stand as eternal sentinels of resilience, a phoenix rises time and again from the ashes of history. Like the mythical creature, Lebanon has reborn itself through trials, its people scattering like seeds across the world, carrying the fire of culture, storytelling, and unbreakable pride. And in Canada, that flame ignites anew through the Lebanese Film Festival in Canada (LFFC), a beacon for the diaspora, especially here in Halifax, where waves of newcomers seek roots in foreign soil.

Founded in 2017, the LFFC emerged from a profound need to bring Lebanese cinema to the big screens of Canada, where such stories had never before been told in their full glory. Before this, as one of the founders reflected, “we never had any Lebanese movies on the big screen” in this vast land. The inaugural edition unfolded in Montreal and Ottawa, modest yet mighty, showcasing a selection of films that bridged the Mediterranean with the Great White North. It was a daring leap, introducing Canadian audiences to the raw emotions, vibrant narratives, and unyielding spirit of Lebanese filmmakers. Short films, features, documentaries—all pulsing with the heartbeat of a nation that refuses to be silenced.

By 2018, the festival’s phoenix wings spread wide. Expanding dramatically to include Halifax, Toronto, Vancouver, and even Los Angeles, it transformed from a local spark into a North American phenomenon. Halifax’s debut on May 7-8 marked a milestone, drawing communities together in theatres alive with laughter, tears, and applause. Collaborations bloomed like spring in Lebanon: partnerships with the Festival Nouveau Cinéma brought Oscar-nominated gems like Capharnaum to exclusive screenings, while ties with Cinemania premiered works that captured the world’s gaze. Universities such as Dalhousie and Saint Mary’s in Halifax hosted enriching discussions, turning cinema into a classroom for cultural exchange.

The years that followed were a testament to endurance. In 2019 and 2020, amid global upheavals, the festival persevered, premiering films like the documentary Khamsin and fostering dialogues that healed divides. The 6th edition in 2022, spanning June 11-20, highlighted poignant stories such as Broken Keys, Memory Box, and The Blue Inmates in Vancouver, while red carpet events in Montreal shimmered with star power. By 2023, the 7th edition in Montreal (June 3-8) celebrated with themes of unity, drawing crowds to workshops, interviews, and one-on-one meetings with global filmmakers. The 8th in 2024 expanded further, with Ottawa joining the June lineup and a symbolic act that touched the soul: a cedar tree planted in Lebanon’s Shouf Biosphere Reserve, honoring the unyielding role of Lebanese cinema amid hardships.

Now, in 2025, the 9th edition pulses with life, touring cities like Montreal, where it kicked off with red carpets at Concordia University, and soon Halifax from November 7-10. Under the patronage of His Excellency Wadih Fares, it features powerful shorts, captivating features, and a special collaboration with the Alliance Française of Halifax, complete with post-screening discussions that ignite minds and hearts. Achievements abound: the “du Cèdre et de L’Érable” award in 2022, Business Excellence Awards in 2023 for innovative cultural celebration, an RBC nomination for social change, over 330 Canadian premieres, 1,070 film submissions, 115 days of screenings, and 21,500 attendees. Organic reach soars on social media—4.9K on Instagram, 14K on Facebook—proving the festival’s magnetic pull.

Yet, this history is more than dates and accolades; it’s a patriotic saga of preservation. As the great filmmaker Martin Scorsese once said, “Movies touch our hearts and awaken our vision, and change the way we see things. They take us to other places and they open doors and minds.” Cinema isn’t mere entertainment—it’s the guardian of culture, a vessel for our Lebanese legacy of innovation and rebirth. Through the LFFC, we conserve the tales of our ancestors, the struggles of our present, and the dreams of our future, ensuring the phoenix of Lebanese identity soars eternal.

For Lebanese-Canadians in Halifax, especially you newcomers navigating the Atlantic winds with suitcases full of memories this is call from the cedars! Descendants of Phoenician seafarers still carrying the fire within, LFFC is the homeland reborn, a tapestry of nostalgia where films whisper of olive groves, bustling souks, and resilient spirits. It’s pride swelling in chest as our heritage is exalted; connection forged in shared glances during a screening; empowerment through contribution to a movement that uplifts our voices.

In Halifax’s embrace, this a LFFC ‘s invitation to weave your thread and shape the narrative. Bring new ideas and preserve old tales for generations. As the Lebanese poet Kahlil Gibran wisely penned, “You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”

From November 7-10, 2025, Halifax transforms into a cinematic haven. Join the heartbeat: volunteer to light the path for filmmakers, attend to absorb the magic, contribute ideas that echo our shared patriotism. As we eye the milestone 10th edition in 2026, your presence is vital—be the bridge between cedars and maples.

And let us extend this legacy and together, we’ll ensure the phoenix flies forever.

Get Involved Today!

Email: info@lffcanada.com

Phone: 1-833-532-5332

Website: www.lffcanada.com

Social Media: @lffcanada on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn