All About the BFC
Welcome to the Beirut Film Center
We are a creative sanctuary co-founded by visionary filmmakers Samer Beyhum and Mazen Hachem. Together, they bring decades of expertise to inspire and empower a new generation of storytellers who dare to challenge conventions and create content with purpose. Samer Beyhum, the driving force behind 99Media Quebec, and Mazen Hachem, the creative mastermind of Solo Films, have united to establish a hub of cinematic innovation and societal impact.
At the BFC, we believe in the transformative power of film as a medium for change. Our mission is to foster a vibrant community of filmmakers, providing them with the tools, skills, and inspiration to craft meaningful narratives. Through a diverse range of programs and workshops—spanning filmmaking, screenwriting, and documentary production—we aim to elevate creativity and technical mastery.
The BFC also curates a monthly film screening series, showcasing both local talents and global masterpieces. Each selection is carefully chosen to reflect compelling socio-political themes and unparalleled artistic vision.
Samer and Mazen’s passion for the art and impact of storytelling drives everything we do. Together, we are building a space where filmmakers can hone their craft, innovate boldly, and tell stories that resonate far beyond the screen.
Join us at the Beirut Film Center and be part of a movement redefining filmmaking as a force for meaningful change. This is where visionaries become pioneers of the reel revolution.
Across the globe, dedicated organizations play a crucial role in fostering local cinema. These entities act as dynamic hubs for education and skill-building, offering support throughout every stage of the filmmaking process. They also curate screenings, host discussions on independent films, and celebrate the creators behind them. In doing so, they serve as invaluable platforms for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and networking. Beyond empowering filmmakers, these collectives contribute to the preservation and promotion of cultural understanding through the lens of cinema.
While Lebanon is home to several film-related foundations and initiatives, the country still lacks a true film cooperative—an organization designed to unite and elevate the filmmaking community under one collaborative roof. Recognizing this need, the Beirut Film Center (BFC) has emerged to fill this crucial gap in Lebanon’s cinematic landscape.
Our Values
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.
BFC Founders
Samer Beyhum
Co-Founder
Samer Beyhum is a Lebanese-Canadian polymath, excelling as a filmmaker, writer, director, editor, sound engineer, post-production specialist, technician, artist, and vegan chef. With a rich history of socially engaged cinema and a diverse body of work, Samer’s award-winning films tackle pressing social issues with authenticity and depth. His versatile interests extend to innovative pedagogy methods, socially relevant content creation, and the artistry of vegan cooking, embodying a holistic approach to education and ethical living. Through his creative endeavors, Samer inspires audiences worldwide to envision a more compassionate and inclusive future.
Mazen Hashem
Co-Founder
Mazen Hachem, a passionate storyteller, was born and raised in Lebanon and attended Detroit Film School. He believes that a picture can tell a thousand words, and he has been a cameraman, director of photography, and editor for 20 years, filming in over 20 countries. Mazen has covered major breaking international news stories, including wars and humanitarian crises. He has worked on feature films, short films, corporate videos, TV commercials, and documentaries for Al Jazeera Network, Discovery Channel, UNICEF, UNHCR, VICE, and MBC. Although he likes to call himself old-school and has filmed on 16mm and 35mm film, he is always up-to-date on the latest technology in the film industry.