Lebanese Filmmaker Cyril Aris signs with 75East as “A Sad and Gorgeous World” gains oscar Momentum
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Lebanese filmmaker Cyril Aris has joined the roster of Dubai-based management and production company 75East as his debut feature film, A Sad and Beautiful World, continues to garner international acclaim and is submitted as Lebanon’s entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards.
Beautiful World has quickly become a standout on the international film festival circuit. The film secured the Audience Award at the Giornate degli Autori – a parallel section of the prestigious Venice Film Festival – in September. Since then, it has been showcased at festivals in London, Athens, and Montpellier, with plans to tour the MENA region this autumn.
The film is a sweeping romance set against the backdrop of three decades in Beirut, exploring themes of passion, loss, and hope. Starring Hassan Akil and Mounia Akl as the central lovers, nino and Yasmina, the narrative delves into the difficult choices faced by a couple torn between love and survival amidst Lebanon’s ongoing challenges.
A Collaborative Production
The film is the result of a meaningful international collaboration. Lead production credits are shared by Georges Schoucair of Beirut-based Abbout Productions,Jennifer Goyne Blake and April Shih of West Hollywood’s Diversity Hire,and Georg Neubert and Jasper Wiedhöft of Leipzig’s reynard Films. The screenplay is a joint effort between Aris and Bane Fakih.
Building on a Foundation of Documentary work
Aris’s work extends beyond narrative features.He previously directed the feature documentary Dancing on the Edge of a Volcano (2023), which chronicled the making of Mounia Akl’s Costa Brava, Lebanon in the wake of the devastating 2020 beirut blast. The documentary, supported by the sundance Institute, premiered at Karlovy Vary and went on to screen at over 80 festivals worldwide, including BFI London and CPH:DOX, earning numerous awards. His debut documentary, The Swing (2018), also premiered at Karlovy Vary and received international recognition.
Aris is a graduate of Columbia University’s MFA program and also works as an editor, with credits including Costa Brava, Lebanon (Venice Orizzonti, 2021). He is also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
75East Champions SWANA Talent
launched in 2023, 75East is dedicated to representing and producing work from the most exciting filmmaking talent globally, with a particular focus on the SWANA region and its diaspora. The company’s roster already includes acclaimed filmmakers such as bassel Ghandour (BAFTA-winner and Oscar-nominee), Abu Bakr Shawky (Palme d’Or-nominee), and Mahdi Fleifel (Gotham Best Breakthrough Director nominee).
“We are thrilled to welcome Cyril to the 75East family,” stated a company release. “His unique voice and compelling storytelling align perfectly with our mission to amplify diverse perspectives in cinema.”
Aris is also represented by Independent Talent Group. His growing body of work and the international attention surrounding A Sad and Beautiful World position him as a significant voice in contemporary cinema, poised to contribute powerfully to the global film landscape.
