Get ready for a thrilling journey into the world of cinema! The Middle East's film industry is buzzing with excitement as Dubai's 75East signs Lebanese filmmaker Cyril Aris. But here's where it gets intriguing: Aris' debut feature, 'A Sad and Beautiful World', is creating quite a stir on the festival circuit.
This sweeping romance, set against the backdrop of Beirut's tumultuous history, has already won the Audience Award at the prestigious Venice Film Festival. And it's not stopping there! The film has graced screens at festivals in London, Athens, and Montpellier, and is now gearing up for its MENA autumn circuit.
But here's the kicker: 'A Sad and Beautiful World' is Lebanon's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. Talk about a big deal!
The story follows the passionate, yet tragic, love affair between Nino and Yasmina, played by Hassan Akil and Mounia Akl. Their magnetic relationship, spanning three decades, is a testament to the power of hope and love in the face of adversity.
Co-written by Aris and Bane Fakih, the film boasts an impressive production team, including Georges Schoucair, Jennifer Goyne Blake, April Shih, Georg Neubert, and Jasper Wiedhöft.
Aris' previous work includes the thought-provoking documentary 'Dancing on the Edge of a Volcano', which chronicled the aftermath of the devastating 2020 Beirut blast. This film, supported by the Sundance Institute, premiered at Karlovy Vary and went on to tour over 80 festivals worldwide, receiving critical acclaim.
His debut documentary, 'The Swing', also premiered at Karlovy Vary and won multiple international awards, solidifying Aris' reputation as a talented filmmaker.
With a Columbia University MFA under his belt, Aris is not just a director but also an editor, having worked on projects like 'Costa Brava, Lebanon', which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. He's even a member of the prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Now, 75East, launched in 2023, is a management and production company with a unique focus on SWANA (Southwest Asia and North Africa) talent. They represent some of the region's most exciting filmmakers, including Aris, and have an eye for discovering fresh, diverse voices.
Other notable filmmakers represented by 75East include BAFTA winner and Oscar nominee Bassel Ghandour, Palme d'Or nominee Abu Bakr Shawky, and Gotham Best Breakthrough Director nominee Mahdi Fleifel.
With such an impressive roster, it's no wonder 75East is making waves in the industry. And this is just the beginning!
So, what do you think of Cyril Aris and his work? Are you excited to see 'A Sad and Beautiful World' make its mark on the global stage? Let's discuss in the comments!
