An emotional evening at Casino du Liban featured musical tributes, a documentary announcement, and Batroun’s dedication of a street in his name
The Beirut Shorts International Film Festival, organized by the
Beirut Film Society, opened its 20th edition on November 1 at Casino du Liban with a tribute to Georges Khabbaz, recognizing his lifetime achievements and contribution to Lebanese theater, cinema, television, and music.
Held under the patronage of the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism and hosted by Mia Saïd, the ceremony brought together filmmakers, artists, international festival guests, and cinema lovers. The evening celebrated an artist whose stories and characters have become part of Lebanon’s collective memory, alongside the festival’s enduring commitment to “The Power of Youth.”
Following Khabbaz’s welcome and the Lebanese national anthem, Lukas Sakr and his orchestra opened the evening with arrangements of music composed by Georges Khabbaz, setting the tone for a ceremony that celebrated both his artistic work and his close connection with audiences.
In her introduction, Saïd reflected on the festival’s journey and the importance of preserving a space for imagination, freedom of expression, and emerging voices amid the challenges facing Lebanon and the region. She also recalled Khabbaz’s longstanding friendship with the festival and the Beirut Film Society.
Festival Co-Founder, Program and Artistic Director Dr. Nicolas Khabbaz then traced Beirut Shorts’ development from a local competition for Lebanese film students at Notre Dame University into an international platform for short cinema. He highlighted its Academy Award® qualifying status in three categories and its expanding industry program, which supports project development and international collaboration. His address was followed by the official trailer presenting the 2026 film selection.
The musical tribute continued with Lukas Sakr, vocalist Christianne Najjar, and the orchestra performing works written and composed by Georges Khabbaz, including “Houn Khle’et” and music from Ghadi. Images accompanying the performances recalled his childhood and artistic journey.
In a recorded message, Minister of Tourism Laura Lahoud Khazen praised the festival’s perseverance and its contribution to Lebanese cinema. She celebrated Khabbaz’s creativity, humanity, and humility, emphasizing his ability to bring people together and place their everyday concerns at the heart of his work.
Festival Co-Founder and Director, and Beirut Film Society President, Dr. Sam Lahoud subsequently delivered a personal tribute to Khabbaz, describing a journey rooted in a modest family home in Batroun that grew into a career reaching audiences across generations and borders. He highlighted Khabbaz’s ability to transform ordinary people’s stories into works that reflect Lebanon’s humor, vulnerability, and resilience.
Lahoud also announced that the Beirut Film Society is producing a feature documentary about Khabbaz’s life and artistic career, intended for cinema release next year and subsequent screenings in schools and universities. A short tribute drawn from testimonies filmed for the documentary was screened during the ceremony.
Following the screening, Georges Khabbaz joined Dr. Sam Lahoud and Dr. Nicolas Khabbaz on stage to receive the festival’s honorary trophy.
The tribute continued with Batroun Mayor Marcelino El Hark, who announced the dedication of a street in the city to Georges Khabbaz. The street, where Ghadi was filmed, will carry his name in recognition of his contribution to the city’s cultural memory and the film’s message of acceptance and humanity. The announcement was accompanied by a municipal video and the presentation of a commemorative trophy.
Toward the close of the evening, Khabbaz delivered an emotional speech of thanks. Overcome with emotion and moved to tears as he spoke about his parents, he said that they themselves deserved to be honored, acknowledging their place at the heart of his journey.
Following Saïd’s closing remarks, Lukas Sakr, Christianne Najjar, and the orchestra concluded the ceremony with “Jayi El Ayyam,” written and composed by Khabbaz.
The 20th Beirut Shorts International Film Festival continues at Metropolis Cinema in Beirut from November 2 to 6, with short films from Lebanon and around the world, alongside encounters and industry activities connecting emerging filmmakers with the international film community.
