On Sunday, November 23, 2025, the red carpet was rolled out at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) for the 18th edition of its International Film Festival, held under the theme "From Youth to Legacy," honoring Lebanese screenwriter Nadine Jaber and hosting prominent local and international guests in the theater and film industries. The festival is organized by the Division of Audiovisual Arts (DAVA), Faculty of Humanities under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and was a huge success thanks to the collaboration of Emile Chahine Foundation, and partnerships with WP–AI-powered; Chedid Insurance and Libano-Suisse Assurance.
The Bechara Al Rai Theater flashed with actors, directors, costume designers, academics, and critics with guest appearances like the President of the Syndicate of Actors Nehme Badawi, Georges Chalhoub, Julia Kassar, and Rita Hayek, whose presence demonstrated both their enthusiasm and support for young cinematic talents participating from various universities across Lebanon, and their belief in the NDUIFF as an established platform for cultural exchange.
Moderated by Dr. May Akl, Director of the Office of International Relations at NDU, the opening ceremony began with a full house, in the presence of Fr. Bechara Khoury, NDU President; Dr. Ali Samad, Director General of the Minister of Culture representing H.E. Dr. Ghassan Salameh, Minister of Culture; Former Minister and NDU Professor Dr. May Chidiac; as well as deans and staff from the NDU community.
After a moving re-creation of Nadine Jaber’s most iconic scenes performed by NDU students and staff, Dr. Maria Bou Zeid, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities expressed her deep gratitude to DAVA faculty, staff, and student volunteers who brought the festival to life, stressing that “each story has the power to broaden our understanding, spark reflection, and motivate change.”
Fr. Khoury then delivered a bold and inspiring word, acknowledging the youth’s extraordinary power and the NDUIFF’s valuable mission in bridging education and culture: “As the festival turns 18, it is maturing, taking more risks and serving a dual objective: looking back and learning, and looking ahead and creating.” The President also expressed sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Culture, with whom an agreement was made to restore the precious Studio Baalbeck archives using the University’s expertise and equipment. He further praised Nadine Jaber’s boldness in portraying the truth and capturing our society’s most complex issues through her creative work.
The lights then dimmed for the NDUIFF main bumper—a mostly AI-generated animation produced by the well-known Director and NDU alumnus Waleed Nassif (WP Production). The piece illustrated the beauty of growth, the power of the youth, and the potential of talent in a fantastic yet extremely realistic journey of a boy through classic films until he reaches the age of 18.
“No one knows Lebanon like you do, and no one is similar to Lebanon like you are,” Dr. Samad declared to the NDU community, confirming that the pinnacle of creativity is achieved when we are deeply connected to our roots. Dr. Samad also posited that when higher education offered in institutions like NDU meets the freedom of speech promoted by the government, culture is elevated.
The audience then viewed a trailer of all submitted films—local, international, and ollies—as well as a presentation of the local, international and young jury for this festival. Taking the stage, Pierrot Haddad, Festival Director and George Tarabay, Program and Artistic Director, delivered a thankful speech praising students’ collective work, and the visionary founders of this festival. A passionate piano performance by Jad Obeid and a documentary produced by DAVA introduced honoree Nadine Jaber. Overwhelmed with emotion while holding her tribute trophy, Nadine was out of words before recalling standing on the same stage 16 years earlier when her student film was recognized by NDUIFF. “I will always try to fulfill my dreams, learning from experiences and mistakes, because no matter how successful I become, I will always be a student,”, she said.
On Friday, 28 November 2025, the 18th edition of the NDU International Film Festival (NDUIFF) concluded with a special awards ceremony, celebrating the most outstanding short films of the year.
We are delighted to congratulate the following directors and their films for their remarkable achievements:
- One Last Time by Karim El Rahbani — Winner of Best Independent Lebanese Film and recipient of the Audience Choice Award.
- Decay by Youssef Bou Khaled (ALBA) — Winner of the Special Young Jury Award.
- Fizr by Rani Nasr (Independent) — Recipient of the Special Jury Award.
- Peony by Christine Tannous (LU) — Winner of the Ollie’s Award.
- The Mud Under My Window by Violette Delvoye (Belgium) — Awarded Best International Film.
- The Red Towel by Laetitia Nader (USEK) — Winner of the Young Jury Award for a Lebanese Youth Film.
- Shadow of the King by Hadi Shariati (Iran) — Recipient of the Special International Jury Award.
- I’m Thinking About Killing My Mother by Selena Francis (USEK) — Winner of Best Lebanese Student Film.
- Was Never My Choice by Marguerite Nakhoul (NDU) — Honoured with the Emile Chahine Award for Cinematic Excellence.
Through the widely successful 18th edition of this international film festival, NDU reaffirms its strong belief in the importance of cinema as a means to promote peace, and in creative students’ works as powerful instruments of change.
NDU extends its sincere gratitude to all partners and sponsors, including Chedid & Co., Libano-Suisse Assurances, Galerie Matta, Stars on Board, Studio Jammal, Librairie Antoine, and Rim Water, whose generous support made this event possible.