Stuff We Love

Lebanon Selects Mira Shaib’s “Arzé” As Oscar Submission

Even in challenging times, we remain committed to bringing you uplifting news like this. Beirut-set dramedy “Arzé” has been selected as Lebanon’s Oscar submission for the Best International Feature Film category.

If you haven’t already read our film review, then click here!

The film, directed by the talented Mira Shaib, follows the story of Arzé (Diamand Bou Abboud), a single mother raising her teenage son, Kinan (Bilal Al Hamwi), with the help of her sister, Layla (Betty Taoutel).

Set against the backdrop of the October Revolution in Lebanon, Arzé struggles to make ends meet while running her small fatayer business from home. As demand for her fatayer grows, she buys Kinan a red scooter, secretly pawning Layla’s cherished jewelry to afford it. However, when someone steals the scooter, Arzé, frustrated by the lack of police action, journeys across Beirut to retrieve it, dragging her son along with her.

“Arzé” is Lebanon’s 20th submission for the Academy Awards, an exciting milestone for the dream team behind the film’s conception. The film received widespread recognition for its compelling storytelling. Featured in a number of prestigious film festivals and bringing laughter and joy to theaters across the globe, we’re proud to see a Lebanese production making strides!

Enjoyed reading about the selection of “Arzé” as Lebanon’s Oscar submission? Make sure to browse the #Lebanese Cinema section for more content like this.

Want to support Lebanon but don’t know how? You can help the displaced with care packages:

Daily Meals & Necessities for Displaced People with Sawamninjah

A local initiative supporting displaced families now settled in Tripoli by providing basic necessities, including daily meals, clothing, blankets, and more. Each package is $20, but you can give more by adding multiple packages to your cart. Simply choose how many packages you’d like to provide before checkout.

$20

Food & Support for the Mount Lebanon Dog Shelter

A dog shelter that is saving pets and stray animals trapped under the bombardment, providing shelter, medical care, and relocation. Each package is $20, but you can give more by adding multiple packages to your cart. Simply choose how many packages you’d like to provide before checkout.

$20

Hot Meals & Necessities for Displaced People with Lebanese Impact Association

A local initiative supporting displaced families by securing basic necessities, including daily meals, clothing, and other essentials. Each package is $20, but you can give more by adding multiple packages to your cart. Simply choose how many packages you’d like to provide before checkout.

$20

Menstrual Products for Displaced Families with Jeyetna

A local collective that fights menstrual poverty by distributing menstrual products and hygiene necessities for the displaced around Lebanon. Each package is $20, but you can give more by adding multiple packages to your cart. Simply choose how many packages you’d like to provide before checkout.

$20

Hot Meals & Hygiene Packages with Nation Station

Born in the aftermath of the port explosion of August 4, 2020, Nation Station is a community kitchen that is delivering hundreds of meals a day, as well as psychological assistance, to the displaced in Lebanon. Each package is $20, but you can give more by adding multiple packages to your cart. Simply choose how many packages you’d like to provide before checkout.

$20

Medication & Baby Formula for Displaced with Sayadila Yantafidoon

A group of independent pharmacists that are providing free medications and baby formula to displaced families around Lebanon. Each package is $20, but you can give more by adding multiple packages to your cart. Simply choose how many packages you’d like to provide before checkout.

$20