Photos: Lebanon Cinema Days in Canada Celebrates Lebanese Cinema and Honors Georges Khabbaz in Montréal

An evening celebrating Lebanese cinema, culture and artistic excellence unfolded on September 17 at Symposia in Montréal, as Lebanon Cinema Days in Canada brought together artists, cultural figures, members of the Lebanese-Canadian community and cinema enthusiasts for a memorable celebration of Lebanese storytelling.

Presented by the Beirut Film Society, Lebanon Cinema Days in Canada continues its mission of creating a cultural bridge between Lebanon and Canada through the universal language of cinema.

The Montréal edition was marked by the presence of Dr. Sam Lahoud, President of the Beirut Film Society, alongside Me. Patricia Chamoun, Vice President of the Beirut Film Society – Canada Office, and Dr. Roni Daoud, Treasurer of the Beirut Film Society – Canada Office. Together, they represent an important part of the leadership behind the festival and its continued development in Canada. (FilmFreeway⁠)

A Celebration of Lebanese Cinema

For Lebanon Cinema Days, the Montréal event represented much more than a film presentation. It was an opportunity to celebrate Lebanese creativity, preserve cultural connections and recognize the artists who have helped shape Lebanon’s cinematic and artistic identity.

Dr. Sam Lahoud, who founded the Beirut Film Society and serves as its President, has played a central role in developing the festival’s international reach and in positioning Lebanese cinema as a vehicle for cultural exchange and dialogue. (Lebanon Cinema Days⁠)

Working alongside him in Canada, Me. Patricia Chamoun and Dr. Roni Daoud contribute to the festival’s organizational, cultural and community mission, helping strengthen the connection between the Beirut Film Society and Lebanese audiences across Canada.

Honoring Georges Khabbaz

One of the most significant moments of the evening was the presentation of the official Lebanon Cinema Days in Canada Festival Trophy to Georges Khabbaz, honoring his remarkable artistic journey and enduring contribution to Lebanese cinema and culture.

The trophy was presented by Dr. Sam Lahoud, making the moment a particularly meaningful recognition from the Beirut Film Society and Lebanon Cinema Days to one of Lebanon’s most celebrated artists.

The tribute to Georges Khabbaz celebrated a career built on acting, writing, directing and storytelling, as well as his lasting influence on Lebanese cultural life.

His work has allowed Lebanese stories, characters and perspectives to reach audiences far beyond Lebanon, making his recognition in Montréal especially significant for a festival whose mission is to connect Lebanese cinema with its diaspora and international audiences.

The presence of Me. Patricia Chamoun and Dr. Roni Daoud alongside Dr. Lahoud further reflected the collective commitment of the Beirut Film Society Canada team to recognizing Lebanese artists and bringing their achievements to the attention of audiences in Canada.

A Moment of Pride, Recognition and Legacy

The presentation of the festival trophy to Georges Khabbaz became one of the defining moments of the evening.

It was a moment of pride for the Lebanese community in Canada, a recognition of an exceptional artistic journey and a celebration of the enduring power of Lebanese cinema.

For Dr. Sam Lahoud, Me. Patricia Chamoun and Dr. Roni Daoud, the tribute also reflected the broader mission of Lebanon Cinema Days: to ensure that Lebanese artists and filmmakers are seen, celebrated and remembered beyond Lebanon’s borders.

The evening highlighted the importance of creating platforms where established artists can be honored while new generations of Lebanese filmmakers and storytellers are encouraged to continue creating.

A Special Recognition to Zef and Stéphanie Attalah

The evening also highlighted the important presence of Zef and Stéphanie Attalah, whose support and involvement contributed to making Lebanon Cinema Days in Canada a memorable celebration of Lebanese culture and cinema. Their participation reflected the strong connection between the artistic, cultural and community forces that continue to bring Lebanese stories to life in Canada. In an evening centered on heritage, talent and recognition, their presence added another meaningful dimension to the celebration and to the growing cultural bridge between Lebanon and Montréal.

Building a Cultural Bridge

Lebanon Cinema Days in Canada continues to serve as a meeting point between Lebanese culture and the Canadian cultural landscape.

Through screenings, artistic encounters, tributes and community events, the festival creates opportunities for Lebanese cinema to reach new audiences while giving members of the diaspora a meaningful connection to their cultural heritage.

The collaboration between the Beirut Film Society’s leadership in Lebanon and its Canadian team , including Dr. Sam Lahoud, Me. Patricia Chamoun and Dr. Roni Daoud, reflects the festival’s broader vision of building lasting cultural bridges between Lebanon, Canada and the Lebanese diaspora.

Celebrating the Legacy of Lebanese Artists

The recognition of Georges Khabbaz was ultimately a celebration of much more than one artist.

It was a tribute to Lebanese creativity, perseverance and the ability of artists to transform personal experiences and cultural identity into stories that resonate across generations and borders.

As Lebanon Cinema Days continues to expand its presence in Canada, the Montréal celebration served as a powerful reminder that Lebanese cinema remains a vital expression of culture, identity and heritage.

The evening concluded with a spirit of pride, gratitude and celebration, honoring Georges Khabbaz, celebrating Lebanese cinema and reaffirming the commitment of the Beirut Film Society and its Canadian leadership to carrying Lebanese stories forward.