All About the BFC
The Beirut Film Center (BFC) is a vibrant educational and creative hub empowering the next generation of filmmakers in Lebanon. Rooted in accessibility, innovation, and community, BFC offers hands-on training, mentorship, and workshops that cover the full spectrum of filmmaking—from concept development and directing to post-production, sound, and color.
We’re committed to democratizing film education by making it available to all, regardless of background or experience. Our programs are tailored to meet participants where they are:
- Beginners and pre-university students gain a solid foundation in both technical skills and visual storytelling, building the confidence needed to pursue further studies or professional work.
- Intermediate and advanced students, including university-level creators, benefit from in-depth workshops that focus on specialized areas like sound design, cinematography, and color grading—helping them elevate their practice to a professional standard.
At BFC, technical rigor meets creative freedom. We place a strong emphasis on safe and responsible equipment use, digital cinema workflows, and professional standards, while also encouraging participants to explore their unique voices and personal visions.
But BFC is more than a film school.
It’s a cross-disciplinary incubator for bold, socially engaged projects that blur the lines between film, music, poetry, activism, performance, and visual art. We create space for radical collaborations that challenge conventions and respond to urgent social and environmental issues. By supporting this kind of experimentation, BFC becomes a cultural force—one where art, education, and activism converge to spark meaningful change.
Whether you're just starting out or ready to push creative boundaries, BFC is a home for filmmakers and artists who want to make powerful, resonant work.
Across the globe, dedicated film organizations play a vital role in nurturing local cinema. These collectives serve as dynamic engines of education, creative development, and cultural exchange. They support filmmakers at every stage of the creative process—from ideation to distribution—while also curating screenings, hosting critical discussions around independent films, and honoring the diverse voices behind them. In doing so, they become essential platforms for knowledge-sharing, artistic collaboration, and community-building.
Beyond technical skill-building, such spaces help preserve and promote cultural identity and mutual understanding through the universal language of cinema. They not only empower storytellers but also foster spaces for reflection, dialogue, and transformation.
While Lebanon is home to several valuable film-related foundations and initiatives, it still lacks a true cooperative model—a sustainable, community-centered space where filmmakers can learn, create, share resources, and grow together. Recognizing this urgent need, the Beirut Film Center (BFC) was founded to fill that gap.
BFC is more than an educational initiative; it is a movement toward collective empowerment—a collaborative home for filmmakers, artists, and socially engaged storytellers who believe in the power of cinema to reshape our world.
At the Beirut Film Center, we are more than a space to master the art, science, and technology of filmmaking—we are a community dedicated to fostering ethical conduct and creating a safe, inclusive environment, especially for marginalized groups.
Our core principles include:
- Respect for Human Dignity: Valuing the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of race, color, beliefs, gender, or sexual orientation.
- Freedom of Thought and Expression: Championing the right to think and express freely, in alignment with universal human rights.
- Ethical Professionalism: Promoting integrity, professionalism, and mutual respect in all endeavors.
- Equity and Fairness: Ensuring equal opportunities for all, cultivating an environment where fairness thrives.
- Empowerment:
- Supporting and uplifting children and young people.
- Advocating for women’s empowerment and gender equality.
- Providing a platform for the LGBTQ+ community to express and thrive.
- Amplifying the voices of marginalized groups and communities.
- Championing inclusion and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
At BFC, we believe that storytelling has the power to unite, empower, and inspire change. Our values reflect our commitment to using cinema as a tool for transformation and inclusivity.
Is a trailblazing Lebanese filmmaker who has defied the odds in the male-dominated world of visual storytelling, earning recognition for her resilience, creativity, and unrelenting passion for the craft. Growing up in a society where cultural and systemic barriers often limit women’s opportunities in technical and creative fields, she broke through these constraints with determination and hard work. Through years of dedication, she has established herself as a sought-after cinematographer, mastering a wide range of visual mediums that include fashion campaigns, music videos, narrative short films, documentaries, corporate content, and promotional work.
Her ability to adapt to different genres and visual styles has made her a versatile and innovative artist, constantly pushing boundaries and elevating her projects to new heights. Collaborating with internationally renowned platforms such as Netflix, Al Jazeera, VICE, and Al Arabia, she has brought her unique vision to a global audience. These collaborations not only showcase her technical expertise but also highlight her ability to tell compelling stories that resonate across cultures.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is a role model for aspiring female filmmakers in the region, proving that perseverance and passion can overcome societal barriers. Her work reflects a deep commitment to her craft, blending technical excellence with creative storytelling to create visually striking and emotionally impactful content. With each project, she continues to challenge conventions, inspire others, and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future in the world of filmmaking.
An award-winning Lebanese-Canadian filmmaker, director, sound engineer, editor, educator, and vegan chef whose work is deeply rooted in creating socially impactful content. As a co-founder and lead instructor of the Beirut Film Center (BFC), Samer has dedicated himself to empowering youth through film education, providing tools and opportunities for aspiring filmmakers to tell their stories and address pressing societal issues.
Samer’s commitment to advocating for human rights and social justice is evident through his initiatives. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Children’s Rights Festival, a platform amplifying the voices of marginalized children and raising awareness about their rights through the powerful medium of cinema. Similarly, his work with 99Media, which he co-founded in Canada, aligns with his belief in using art as a catalyst for change, championing stories that challenge societal norms and spark meaningful conversations.
With decades of experience in post-production as an editor, colorist, sound designer, and workflow consultant, as well as expertise in live and recorded sound engineering, Samer’s technical skill set complements his creative vision and leadership. His projects often highlight underrepresented voices, with a particular focus on refugee experiences and gender equality, reflecting his unwavering dedication to advancing the human condition.
Beyond the realm of filmmaking, Samer is also a passionate vegan chef. He incorporates sustainability and compassion into his culinary creations, blending traditional Levantine flavors with a modern plant-based approach. This dedication to ethical living further reflects his holistic commitment to a better world.
A true initiator of socially relevant projects, Samer’s work bridges education, activism, and artistic innovation. From founding his own film school to inspiring the next generation of storytellers, he continues to use his art and passions to shine a light on the challenges and triumphs of humanity, ensuring that stories of resilience and hope reach audiences worldwide.
A Lebanese singer, actress, model, poet, and multidisciplinary artist who blends her poetry with her oriental roots, occidental influences and mystical inspirations. By marrying ethereal vocals and oriental sounds, she is carving her signature sound within the wide spectrum of soul, fusion and world music. Yal initially gained recognition in the Arab world for singing “Chou Original”, the theme song of the series Salon Zahra, in collaboration with artist, composer and producer Mike Massy in September 2021. Since March 2022, Yal began releasing original music with her debut single “Silent Fireworks”, coined an “ethereal tour de force” by SceneNoise. Yal then formed her ensemble band, elevating her music to the stages of the most prominent artistic and cultural events, such as the international Sofar Sounds, Institut Français’ Fête de la Musique 2x, Raseef22’s media forum, and Metro Al Madina’s Tazaj.
In July 2023, Yal was one of 10 selected artists by Beirut & Beyond, where she got her hit single “La7ali”, to be arranged & produced in collaboration with composer and producer Bachar Mar-Khalife’s Paris-based label Balcoon. Yal was also one of 10 selected soul-pop vocalists in the MENA region for MDLBEAST’s Xperform in October 2023, and as a result, had her debut international performance in Riyadh at the XP Music Futures conference in December 2023. Apart from music, Yal is an animator and graphic designer for NGOs, a fashion model, commercial actress, voice-over artist, and a dedicated yogi, absorbing the embodiment from her practices that shape and inspire her distinctive presence.
Is a passionate storyteller with a career spanning over two decades, shaped by his Lebanese roots and formal education at the Detroit Film School. With an unwavering belief that “a picture can tell a thousand words,” Mazen has dedicated 20 years to the art of visual storytelling, excelling as a cameraman, director of photography, and editor. His career has taken him across more than 20 countries, where he has covered major international events, including wars, humanitarian crises, and breaking news stories.
Mazen’s expertise extends beyond journalism into the creative realms of cinema and production. He has worked on feature films, short films, corporate videos, TV commercials, and documentaries for renowned organizations such as Al Jazeera Network, Discovery Channel, UNICEF, UNHCR, VICE, and MBC. Despite his self-proclaimed “old-school” approach and love for filming on 16mm and 35mm film, Mazen remains ahead of the curve in adopting the latest technologies in the film industry.
In addition to his extensive on-field experience, Mazen serves as the Managing Director of Solo Films, a production company that houses the Beirut Film Center. Under his leadership, the BFC has become a hub for aspiring filmmakers, fostering creativity, education, and collaboration. Through Solo Films and the BFC, Mazen empowers the next generation of storytellers, sharing his vast knowledge and inspiring others to push the boundaries of filmmaking.
