The movie 'Afghan Star' for British director Havana Marking was screened during the Beirut International Film Festival

Attended by world famous directors, producers, actors and film critics, the 9th Beirut International Film Festival (7-14 October) screened more than 50 national and international films like Tetro by Francis Ford Coppola , Afghan Star- for the British Director Havana Marking - UK, Shattered Memories from Lebanon and others. The festival has been drawing increasing attention since its launch in 1997. The festival has become an important hunting ground for international talent scouts.

The British Embassy in Beirut took interest in the movie business 'in its own way' and asked colleagues for their all time Lebanese and International movies favourites . One interesting thing that came out from the short survey is that the taste and style of movies of colleagues in Beirut is as diversified as the city and its people! People in Lebanon are movie-going lovers and have a taste for local and international movies ranging from old time classics to history, action, drama, war, romance, comics, social, documentaries and others.

In her own words: Havana Marking

I'm very glad that the film is being shown at the Beirut International Film Festival, and thank the organisers for choosing Afghan Star. It is important for me that the film is shown to as many people as possible and all over the world: it is wonderful to include Beirut. I hope that audiences will enjoy the film but also find issues to debate and discuss. Afghanistan is stuggling to find itself in the modern world and is working out what is acceptable and what is not for today's young people in a traditional Islamic society. But many of the issues resonate with us all: freedom of expression and gender equality are global ideals and I hope my film contributes to the debate.

All time Lebanese and international favourites

Top 5 Lebanese movies:

1. West Beirut
2. Caramel
3. Zouzou
4. Bosta
5. Safar Barlik

Others:
Beirut Open City; Perfect Day ; Smoke without Fire (Dékhan bala Nar) ; Safar Barlik ; Ring Seller (Baya3 El Khawatem); Under the Bombs..etc

Top 5 international movies

1. Slumdog Millionaire
2. Mamma Mia
3. Godfather
4. Braveheart
5. Casino Royale

Others
Gone with the wind ;Pride & Prejudice ;Last Samurai ; Troy ;Scent of a Woman; The Others; Cold Mountains ; Enemy at the Gates ;Saving Private Ryan ; Underground ; Death in Venice;  Secrets & Lies ; Life of Brian ; Alien ; Hangover ; The Kite Runner, ; Dirty Dancing Bourne Ultimatum ; Bone collector ; 13th Warrior ..etc