Lebanese Film Maker Nominated for Major International Award

Lebanese director Jude Chehab’s films-Behind The Tents and I'm Here- were recently nominated for 6 awards at the THIMUN Qatar Northwestern Film Festival held annually in Doha, Qatar.

"Being nominated for 6 awards for THIMUN is overwhelming," Chehab said.

She added: "I believe THIMUN will be a great learning experience and provide me with exposure, and will be an exciting opportunity to help me grow as a filmmaker and to represent my country- being the only Lebanese nominated."

Jude’s film Behind The Tents focuses on the daily lives of the bedouin children living in Bekaa, Lebanon.

The film describes and shows what is behind the tents where these children live. It takes the viewer through every aspect of their lives and portrays their feelings.

"Behind The Tents was an honor to make," Jude said.

"The film allowed me to share these children's stories with the world and that is one of the only reasons I film,"she added.

"They are such beautiful and happy children and the experience was life changing. "

Jude's other film I'm Here is a 4 minute film based on how the society limits Hijabis' freedom of speech and how muslim women are tied down by societies.

She stated that "I made I'm Here because it is hard for most veiled Muslim women to find jobs around the world."

"Employers and companies or general people are always judging them for the scarf on their heads - the way they are dressed, and I knew I needed to speak up about the matter," she added.

The THIMUN Qatar Northwestern University Film Festival attracts young film makers from around the world.

The films serve as a platform for young people to create advocacy films on local or global issues.

This year’s festival will be held from March 29-March 31st featuring three days of seminars, personal discussion with leading film makers and media personalities, numerous cultural activities and gala awards evening. In addition to prize money, nominees are awarded flight and accommodation to Doha.