issues amongst the broader Australian community; to create a connection for the Lebanese diaspora in Australia to contemporary Lebanese arts and culture through film; and also to provide a non-partisan and non-religious event for Lebanese in Australia.
Camille interviewed at the LFF opening night
What were the reasons you decided to set up the Lebanese Film Festival?
Jessica: The idea immediately sprung to mind when Camille came across a Lebanese director who was interested in exposing his films to an Australian audience. Camille then approached me and my response was “film festivals”. I was actually taking a National Cinemas course at the time and after having read up about our national cinema, I realised that Lebanon deserved its own film festival here in Australia, so I suggested we start our own festival in Sydney, and it happened! As a nation there is so much going on artistically at the moment, and I think that Australia and the rest world of needs to see it.
Dancers celebrate the opening of the LFF
What kind of work was involved in organising the first Festival?
Camille: The work organising the festival is quite extensive, and thankfully we have a strong team. The event itself requires the booking of venues, organising of programs, preparing technical materials and liaising with other event stakeholders. From the outset, we also need to remain on the lookout for films, new directors and new film projects that may start up, to ensure film makers are aware of our work and submit their films to the
Camille: There were a number of reasons why we decided to set up the Festival: to create an understanding of Lebanon, its people, culture and
LFF. The event also requires constant marketing and business development in attracting sponsors.