Beirut International Women Film Festival (BWFF) is an annual event organized in Beirut by Beirut Film Society, under the theme “Women for Leadership” highlighting the role of women as leaders in their societies; and gathering filmmakers and cinema lovers from all over the world. BWFF tackles issues such gender equality, sexual identity, domestic violence among others through the power of the lens and cinema which is the window to society and particularly women in this case.

BWFF, which comprises films about women and/or executed by women, aims to highlight the power of women in different life situations, the festival organizers believe in promoting a positive image of women struggling with dignity to make a change in their environment.

Awards & Prizes

The Phoenician Goddess Tanith is the Symbol of the festival; "Tanith" is the Great Phoenician Goddess of Carthage, known through the ancient Mediterranean, and worshipped as a chief Deity. She is a Sky Goddess who ruled over the Sun, Stars, and Moon; and as a Mother Goddess She was invoked for fertility. The palm tree is Hers, as the desert version of the Tree of Life; and as symbolic of the life-force of the Earth the serpent is Hers as well, and her other symbols include the dove, grapes and the pomegranate (both symbolic of fruitfulness and fertility), the crescent moon, and the lion.

BWFF took "Tanith" as its symbol, and the "Tanith of Beirut" as its prime award.

National Competition:
Best Lebanese Feature Film
Best Lebanese Feature Documentary
Best Lebanese Short Film
Best Lebanese Short Documentary
Best Lebanese Animated Film

International Competition:
Best Feature Fiction Film
Best Feature Documentary Film
Best Feature Animated Film
Best Short Fiction Film
Best Short Documentary Film
Best Short Animated Film

Best Female Director
Best Female Cinematographer
Best Actress

Rules & Terms

Rules and Regulations:

Filmmakers are invited to submit their original work to Beirut International Women Film Festival (BWFF) for the above listed categories and as per the assigned duration of each category.

1- FILMS PRODUCED AFTER JANUARY 1, 2023 ARE ELIGIBLE FOR SUBMISSION FOR THE COMING EDITION.

2- FOR INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILMS SUBMISSIONS, LEBANESE PREMIERE IS A MUST – FEATURE FILMS THAT WERE SCREENED PREVIOUSLY IN LEBANON WON’T BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.

3- BWFF supports travel cost for filmmakers of selected international films to Lebanon during the festival days. (Conditions apply)

4- Submission fees are non refundable and non reimbursable under any circumstances; BWFF does not reimburse any submission fees for films who are not selected for the festival program, or who withdrew their submissions at any time.

5- BWFF retains the right to accept or decline any film, for whatever reason, without any explanation.

6- Applicants admit that they are authorized to submit the film, being the rights-holders or authorized representatives of the film.

7- BWFF receives exhibition copy in QuickTime 1080p HD 8 bit uncompressed or Apple ProRes file or equivalent via a downloadable link.

8- All non-English speaking films must have adequate English subtitles.

9- Screening fees must be declared prior to or upon submission. If a screening fee is only indicated after the official selection has been announced, the festival retains the right to revoke the film's acceptance.

10- Beirut International Women Film Festival (BWFF) holds the right to:
• Use the selected films for trailers and publicity usage
• Screen the winning films in other related events inside Lebanon, and recommend the winning films to other international film festivals that collaborate with BWFF after the approval of the filmmakers.
115 Reviews
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  • Amani Jaafer

    Thanks BiWFF for this amazing experience. The main actress attended the event AND she LOVED it. 😍

    May 2024
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  • Hisham Bizri

    I came to the festival from Berlin to show my film "Elektra." As a director I care very much about the audience and the quality of projection which is often lacking. I can't remember ever having a better audience and projection than at this festival. The audience were engaged and in large numbers, the venues were world class, and the networking terrific. The festival organizers managed to invite a blend of professionals: directors, writers, producers, actors, etc. It was a week of passion for cinema with endless screenings and discussions, but also a passion for life with daily trips to various parts of Lebanon, incredible food, and lovely dinner parties. I wish the festival all the success in the world. And for filmmakers everywhere, I assure you that you will have the experience of a lifetime showing your film with Sam and Doris, the festival curators. Bravo!!!

    April 2024
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  • naz çaybaşı

    Being part of the festival was a huge honor for me. Thank you so much for Best Woman Director Award!

    April 2024
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  • Shireen Khaled

    Absolutely fantastic! What a pleasure it was to have my short In The Night there.

    April 2024
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  • Siham Kortas

    I was delighted and honored to see my film Doigts de fée (Fairy Fingers) selected among such prestigious films at the festival.
    A wonderful experience. Thank you very much.

    April 2024
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