From 27 to 30 June, the Karama - Beirut Human Rights Film Festival held its eighth edition, under the theme “Remember.”
This marked the sixth consecutive year that the UN Information Centre (UNIC) in Beirut partnered with the festival, reaffirming a shared commitment to amplifying human rights narratives through the power of film.
The 2025 edition centred on memory as a cornerstone of human rights, particularly in the context of war, occupation, and displacement. Through 14 films and documentaries—subtitled in both English and Arabic and sourced from across the globe—the festival spotlighted the lived experiences of refugees, migrants, political dissidents, women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.
These cinematic narratives served as powerful testimonies to injustice, while also fostering dialogue on how societies can confront and learn from their past.
Beyond screenings, the festival featured rich discussions with directors, activists, and experts.
A side talk by UN Women explored the gendered memory of war and the vital role women play in peacebuilding and national healing.
The panel “Memory and War” examined how documentation and diverse narratives contribute to acknowledging Lebanon’s complex history.
Organized by Art Factory 961 and held under the auspices of the Lebanese Ministry of Culture, the festival was supported by UNIC Beirut, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Lebanon, UN Women in Lebanon, Fighters for Peace NGO, and the Embassies of Canada, Czech Republic, and Germany.
UNDP, UNIC Beirut, and the festival created and shared communication content across media outlets and social media platforms to promote the festival.
Many local political and cultural figures, including famous actors, attended the opening ceremony, showing strong support for the festival’s message and mission.
