Barouk Film Festival
Where Nature and Cinema Meet
Nestled in the Chouf Mountains
Nestled in the heart of the Chouf mountains, Barouk Film Festival is more than just a celebration of cinema; it is a heartfelt tribute to nature, culture, and the power of storytelling.
Born from a deep love for Barouk and its breathtaking landscapes, the festival aims to highlight the harmony between art and environment, bringing together filmmakers, students, and audiences in one shared passion: to tell stories that matter.
Our mission is to support audiovisual students and young filmmakers, offering them a real platform to express their creativity, share their visions, and make their voices heard. We believe that every film carries a message, and every storyteller deserves a chance to be seen. Through workshops, screenings, and networking events, the festival opens doors for new talents to connect with professionals and the wider community.
But Barouk Film Festival is also about identity and belonging. It shines a light on Lebanese culture, history, and traditions, reminding us of who we are and where we come from. From the Barouk Cedar Nature Reserve, symbol of life and resilience, to the house of poet Rachid Nakhle, author of our national anthem, every corner of Barouk tells a story worth sharing.
The festival extends its lens beyond cinema to the religious, cultural, and touristic diversity that defines Barouk and nearby Freidis Village, creating a space where art and community meet. Through the magic of film, we aim to capture the soul of our land—the laughter of its people, the beauty of its hills, and the values that unite us.
How the Idea Began?
The Barouk Film Festival began as a small spark shared between three friends: Rita Matar Al Raachini, Jaime Daccache, and Georges Haddad.
All three shared a love for cinema and a deep connection to Lebanon’s culture. What united them most was a belief that creativity could revive the bond between people and their land.
“What if Barouk became a place where nature and film could meet?
Rita, Jaime, and Georges saw how many young filmmakers struggled to find a platform to showcase their work. They also saw how rich Barouk was—not only in beauty, but in untold stories, traditions, and local life that deserved to be seen and heard.
What began as a friendly discussion slowly turned into a real project. The trio started building a vision—a festival that would support students, highlight new Lebanese talent, and celebrate the soul of their country through the lens of film.
The Foundation of the Festival
Our Objectives
To support and empower emerging filmmakers and audiovisual students. We provide a platform for young talents to express creativity, celebrate Lebanese heritage, promote eco-tourism, and connect art with the community.
Target Audience
We welcome audiovisual students, young directors, cinema lovers, tourists, and residents who wish to discover new Lebanese talent and explore stories born from our land.
Awards & Categories
Honoring outstanding storytelling, documentarian courage, and environmental focus. We celebrate original vision, cultural relevance, and student filmmakers.
Film Selection
Curating works with strong artistic vision and emotional depth. We welcome short films, documentaries, and student projects exploring nature, identity, and social change.
Official Selection & Awards
Best Short Film
Celebrating outstanding storytelling in a narrative short format.
Best Documentary
Honoring powerful real-life stories and inspiring social reflections.
Best Environmental Film
Highlighting nature, sustainability, conservation, and eco-awareness.
Best Lebanese Film
Recognizing the work that best captures Lebanese identity, culture, and spirit.
Best Student Film
Dedicated exclusively to showcasing and supporting emerging student directors.
Audience Choice
Voted directly by festival attendees, giving the public a voice in selection.
Committee & Panel
The Barouk Film Festival Selection Committee and Jury bring together a distinguished panel of professionals, educators, and artists who share a deep passion for cinema and cultural expression.
Selection Committee
Responsible for reviewing all submissions and curating the official lineup, the Selection Committee comprises filmmakers, professors, and audiovisual experts who evaluate each work for originality, storytelling, artistic direction, and emotional impact. Their mission is to spotlight both emerging and established voices.
Festival Jury
Formed by respected filmmakers, producers, journalists, and cultural figures, the Jury selects winners across all categories. Each member contributes unique insight and expertise, ensuring fairness and artistic excellence. Beyond judging, the Jury fosters mentorship and dialogue among creators.
Rules & Submission Terms
To uphold fairness and transparency, the Barouk Film Festival follows clear rules and guidelines for all film submissions and participants.
Eligibility
- Open to filmmakers, students, and professionals globally.
- Films must have been completed within the last three years.
- Previously screened films are accepted if not broadcast publicly.
Technical Requirements
- Accepted formats: high-res MP4 or MOV.
- Films must include clear English or French subtitles.
- Audio and image quality must meet professional standards.
Duration & Categories
- Short films and Student films: Max 25 minutes.
- Documentary and Environmental films: Max 25 minutes.
- A filmmaker can submit up to two entries per category.
Rights & Approvals
- Filmmakers must hold all copyright and music licensing.
- Selected films grant non-commercial screening rights.
- Decisions made by the selection committee are final.
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