The 2026 edition of the Cannes Film Festival was marked by many meaningful encounters. Fondation Liban Cinéma’s presence was reflected through several activities throughout the festival.
At the Francophone Producers’ Rendez-vous, organized annually by the CNC in France, the FLC presented the Lebanese Cinema Guide to promote Lebanese projects and encourage partnerships with international producers.
One of the highlights of this edition was a meeting with French Minister Delegate for Francophonie, International Partnerships Éléonore Caroit and President of the Institut Français Eva Nguyen Binh, who wished to learn more about the situation of the Lebanese film sector, its needs amid the difficult circumstances Lebanon is facing, and the support France could provide.
At the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles Pavilion, Maya de Freige met with Belgian Minister of Culture Elisabeth Degryse to discuss international co-production, a file managed by the FLC as part of its agreement with the Lebanese Ministry of Culture. Both welcomed the selection, in the Un Certain Regard section, of the first official co-production between Lebanon and Belgium: Yesterday, the Eye Didn’t Sleep (2026) by Rakan Mayasi. Producer Jennifer Ritter also shared her experience working in Lebanon and the challenges faced during production due to security-related uncertainties. A film not to be missed.
This festival also highlighted the presence of Lebanese professionals who traveled from Lebanon to the Croisette. Though few in number, they succeeded in making their country heard — with the hope that, in brighter days ahead, the various scattered initiatives may come together under one national pavilion.
