Here’s a story that’s as captivating as it is heartbreaking: a sweeping romance set against the backdrop of Beirut’s tumultuous history, and the filmmaker behind it is making waves in the industry. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing—Dubai-based management and production company 75East has just signed Lebanese director Cyril Aris, whose debut feature A Sad and Beautiful World is turning heads on the global festival circuit. This isn’t just another film; it’s Lebanon’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, and it’s already snagged the Audience Award at Venice Film Festival’s Giornate degli Autori.
The film, co-written by Aris and Bane Fakih, spans three decades of passion, loss, and hope in Beirut, following star-crossed lovers Nino (Hassan Akil) and Yasmina (Mounia Akl). And this is the part most people miss—their story isn’t just about romance; it’s a profound exploration of love and survival in a country grappling with tragedy. Nino, the eternal optimist, and Yasmina, the impulsive pragmatist, must decide whether to build a life together in Lebanon, a decision that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Produced by a powerhouse team including Georges Schoucair (Abbout Productions), Jennifer Goyne Blake and April Shih (Diversity Hire), and Georg Neubert and Jasper Wiedhöft (Reynard Films), the film has already screened at prestigious festivals in London, Athens, Montpellier, and is set to tour the MENA region this autumn.
But here’s the controversial question: Can a love story truly thrive in the face of societal collapse? Aris doesn’t shy away from this tension, and it’s what makes A Sad and Beautiful World so compelling. His previous work, including the feature documentary Dancing on the Edge of a Volcano (2023), further cements his ability to capture the human spirit amidst chaos. That film, supported by the Sundance Institute, premiered at Karlovy Vary and toured over 80 festivals, winning accolades in Rotterdam, Valencia, and beyond.
Aris, a Columbia University MFA graduate and member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, is also an accomplished editor, with credits including Costa Brava, Lebanon (Venice Orizzonti, 2021). His debut documentary, The Swing (2018), premiered at Karlovy Vary and won multiple international awards, proving his versatility as a storyteller.
Now, here’s where it gets even more exciting: 75East, launched in 2023, is quickly becoming a powerhouse in representing SWANA (Southwest Asia and North Africa) talent. Their roster includes heavyweights like BAFTA-winner and Oscar-nominee Bassel Ghandour, Palme d’Or-nominee Abu Bakr Shawky, and Gotham Best Breakthrough Director nominee Mahdi Fleifel. By signing Aris, they’re not just adding another name to their list—they’re amplifying a voice that challenges, inspires, and provokes.
Aris is also represented by Independent Talent Group, ensuring his work reaches even broader audiences. But here’s the real question for you: In a world where stories of love and resilience are often overshadowed by conflict, does A Sad and Beautiful World offer a glimmer of hope, or is it a stark reminder of the fragility of human connections? Let’s discuss—what do you think?
