Lebanese Film Wins Prestigious Award at World Film Festival 2025

Big news for Lebanese cinema! Lebanese filmmaker Christine Walid Tannous just won the “Best Inspirational Film” award at the World Film Festival in Cannes 2025 for her short film Peony.

The film follows Omar, a young man haunted by the memory of his parents’ drowning. To overcome his fear of water, he teaches his younger sister how to swim, transforming his pain into resilience and hope.

Shot in Tannourine, Peony captures both the beauty and emotional weight of its setting. It grounds a deeply personal story in an authentic Lebanese landscape.

Behind the film is Christine Tannous, a Lebanese director and visual storyteller with a background in interior architecture and cinema. Her expertise in production design, color storytelling, and wardrobe allows her to create immersive, emotionally charged visual worlds.

Through Peony, Tannous highlights how grief and fear can become sources of strength. This idea is reflected in her meticulous attention to color, composition, and character emotion.

The film’s recognition at Cannes not only marks a major milestone in Tannous’ young career but also reaffirms the power and potential of Lebanese cinema on the global stage.

Loved reading about Christine Walid Tannous and her short film Peony? For a closer look at the magic of Lebanese cinema, make sure to check out this section on our website.

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