On October 10, 2023, the Antonine University (UA) Faculty of Information and Communication (FIC) Department of Audiovisual (DAV), in a collaborative effort with the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), organized a remarkable event titled “Cinematic Visions: Unveiling Student Talent.” This gathering served as a platform for 4 talented audiovisual students to showcase their senior short films, resulting in a night brimming with enthusiastic celebration of their creative competence and exceptional filmmaking skills.

The event’s inclusive nature extended a warm welcome not only to the UA community but also to external visitors eager to explore the creative talents of our students. The featured short films covered a wide spectrum of genres and thematic elements, offering the audience a diverse cinematic experience. As the films unfolded on the screen, they carried the viewers into various worlds and narratives, leaving a profound impact.

The showcased short films included Librium (2020), directed by Abdulkareem Doghman; FATE (2023), directed by Lana Abdallah; Another Farewell Party (2022), directed by Malak Ghandour; and M.S. (2023), directed by Gabriel Tabet.

In a bid to foster a deeper connection with the audience and provide insights into the filmmaking process, the student directors graciously engaged in a post-screening Q&A session. This interactive segment allowed for in-depth discussions, where curious attendees could delve into the details of filmmaking, including budgeting, casting choices, and plot development. It was a fantastic opportunity for the emerging filmmakers to share their experiences and knowledge with an eager and attentive crowd.

Following the screenings and discussions, an exciting voting round took place, enabling the audience to select their favorite film. The award for the best film of the evening went to Abdulkareem Doghman for his outstanding work on “Librium.” This film was a remarkable collective effort by the Class of 2020, created amidst the challenges posed by the Lebanese economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Abdulkareem’s film received an impressive 44 votes out of a total of 119 (36.97% of the votes). This honor was presented by the Vice Rector for Integral Human Development (VRIHD), Fr. Jean Al Alam; the Dean of the FIC, Dr. Dalal Moukarzel; and the Chairperson of the DAV, Ms. Celine Zoghby, who awarded him the prestigious UA Trophy.

This unforgettable night was a testament to the University’s commitment to nurturing creativity and talent in the field of audiovisual arts. It left an indelible mark on all those who attended, igniting inspiration and enthusiasm for the cinematic arts. As the curtains fell on this successful event, everyone looked forward to experiencing the magic of Cinematic Visions once again next year.