Lebanese Focus: And Then God Created Man

Curated and presented by Nicolas Khabbaz, from Beirut Shorts, this programme delves into the underlying issues that challenge the country, exposing the failures of the current social and political order to protect the basic rights of its people.

Throughout history, the people of Lebanon have struggled to find common ground and live in harmony amidst their diverse social, religious, economic and cultural backgrounds. This country of “opposites” is in a constant search for its identity, reflecting the delicate balance between its various factions.

Beirut Shorts’ two-programme Lebanese Focus at GSFF23 sheds light on the complex, dialectic relationship between the cause and effect of greed, violence, destruction and the determined fate of the country.

The films in And Then God Created Man all consider the internal and external factors shaping their characters, and in doing so explore humanity, masculinity, capacity for violence and accountability.

This programme is curated and presented by Nicolas Khabbaz from Beirut Shorts.

GSFF23's Lebanese Focus also includes a live performance by Khansa and a masterclass by Warsha director Dania Bdeir, both on Friday 24 March.

GSFF23's Lebanese Focus is generously supported by British Council.

All films captioned for d/Deaf viewers.