The Lebanese Film Festival returns to Canberra for its 14th edition with A Sad and Beautiful World on Friday, 13 November at 7.30pm in collaboration with the ANU Film Group. Screenings are FREE with no membership required. Learn more about the Festival on their website at www.lff.org.au

A Sad and Beautiful World follows childhood sweethearts Nino (Hasan Akil) and Yasmina (Mounia Akl), who drift apart as teenagers in Beirut. Reconnecting in their twenties amidst modern Lebanon's severe political unrest and economic collapse, the pair reignites an intense, passionate romance. As widespread social instability threatens their daily existence, the couple faces an agonising dilemma: torn between enduring love and basic survival, Nino and Yasmina must decide whether to stay and help rebuild their cherished, fractured homeland or abandon everything to seek safety abroad.

Directed by Cyril Aris in his narrative feature debut, this sweeping romantic drama was selected as Lebanon's official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 2026 Oscars. Winner of multiple audience awards, the film has been praised for its striking visual style, emotional authenticity, and sensitive portrayal of youth navigating hope amidst national turmoil.

Rating Unclassified 15+
Length 110 mins
Year 2025
Director Cyril Aris
Stars Mounia Akl, Hasan Akil, Julia Kassar, Camille Salameh

Contact the host of LFF Canberra: A Sad and Beautiful World

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