Outbox International Short Film Festival

 

Founded in 2010, Outbox International Short Film Festival is a take on open air theaters that are known through history for gathering large audiences of different backgrounds, ages and interests. By choosing an open space at the heart of Beirut, Outbox aimed to introduce the culture of the short film to the large Lebanese audience as a unique form of cinema and to help winning Lebanese filmmakers produce more shorts; this is one of the main approaches to take Lebanese cinema industry to the next level.

As of 2013 Outback International Short Film Festival had already held two festivals, with the current one scheduled for June 27 -30 2013.
This was their website.
Content is from the site's 2013 archived pages.

 

Beirut: Founded in 2010 as a modern take on ancient open-air theaters, the Outbox International Short Film Festival runs in a public space accessible to anyone who’d like to attend. Without walls or admission fees acting as boundaries, a dynamic audience of all ages and backgrounds can discover cinema’s most vibrant art form: the short film.

Similarly, Outbox has done away with limitations on filmmakers. The festival accepts film submissions from all countries and genres. Love story or adventure, by amateur or professional – it doesn’t matter, as long as it’s a short film. There are no applicant fees, and entrants are chosen solely for their talent.

With a purely cultural event that’s free in every sense, we’re celebrating cinema outside the box!

 


AIMS

Short films are one of the preferred vehicles for social and cultural change: issues of gender, sexual orientation, family, urban life, national identity and the way twenty-first-century humans see themselves in a fast developing mediatized world, all are advantageously mirrored in cinematic productions averaging twenty minutes. In addition, the very nature of the short film welcomes independent filmmakers unburdened by the restrictions imposed by the commercial filmmaking industry.

Because the festival judiciously uses public space, it is able to involve and engage the widest possible participation from the audience. By re-thinking and re-positioning meeting spaces, a re-appropriation and empowering of free expression is made possible. We aim to encourage an interactive exchange of ideas in an environment that reverts centers of power and gives it back to artists, creators and the public. Situated in the heart of the capital, Beirut, the festival functions, by the same token, as the locus of innovative short film techniques and themes researched and conceived within the basic cultural demands of Arab society in particular and those of the wider world in general.

In a part of the world where extremism, fundamentalism, and cultural homogeneity are a constant threat to liberal thinking and cultural diversity, the short film festival as we envision it can maintain, against difficult odds, the place of Lebanon as a beacon of independent thinking and free speech.



Outbox Film Festival, Beirut 2013

 

~~~

I was living in Beruit in 2013. Even though life went on amidst the turmoil of terrorist attacks, this open-air Outbox International Short Film Festival seemed oblivious to it. Weird.

I am now living in NYC. My brother called to ask if I had heard the news of Trump's latest foreign policy decision: the assassination of Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani, Iran’s most powerful commander. I was stunned. A deep pit of dread settled in my stomach. The online news sites were scrambling with the news. Three days later, the White House says the move was to make America safer and that Trump was preventing a war. Is he kidding? Tensions in the region are escalating. Life moves on as the dire consequences of Trump’s Suleimani decision unfold. I fear that Trump's decision to order the killing of Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani, Iran’s second most important official, as well as Iraqi leaders of an Iranian-backed militia, now locks our two countries in a dangerous escalatory cycle that could likely lead to wider warfare.

 

~~~

 

 

12.02.2013
THE SELECTED FILMMAKERS FOR THE SHORT FILM WORKSHOP ARE ANNOUNCED

Current event:

SELECTED FILMMAKERS FOR THE SHORT FILM WORKSHOP ARE:

1. Tony el Khoury
2. Amahl Khouri
3. Ralf Karam
4. Reem Mohtar
5. Afraa Batous
6. Ali Shiran
7. Malek Heshmeh
8. Hussen Ibrahim
9. Farah Chaya
10. Zein el Cheikh


ABOUT THE PROJECT
Sponsored by Goethe Institut, Outbox Film Festival has partnered with Kurz Film Woche and IESAV, USJ to help 10 filmmakers perfect and produce their short films.

Any aspiring filmmaker living in Lebanon can apply by sending a few-sentence synopsis of a short film to tellastory@outboxfilmfestival.com
The short film should be smart, interesting and 2 to 3 minutes long.

The 10 filmmakers whose synopses will be chosen will attend a free 5-day workshop with Niklas Hlawatsch, an award winning filmmaker from Berlin.

During the workshop, the filmmakers will be developing their short films, preparing the shot lists and getting ready for production, all the while acquiring and perfecting all the skills needed to complete their projects.

Following the workshop, taking place in late February, each filmmaker will have access to all the equipment and facilities needed for a full day of shooting and two days of post production to complete their films, which will then be screened in Germany and Lebanon.

The deadline to apply is on February 5th 2013; the selected filmmakers will be notified by email a week after the deadline.



 

03.01.2013
YOU DON'T NEED MUCH TO TELL A STORY

Submit a synopsis of a 2 to 3 minute short film now!


30.10.2013
SUBMIT YOUR SHORT FILM NOW

Outbox is now accepting entries for its fourth edition in June 2013
Roman Baths - Downtown Beirut
 

Submission requirements
 
  • Professional and amateur directors and producers can submit short films with no restriction as to country or genre.
     
  • Outbox Film Festival will not be held responsible for copyright claims that may arise from improper use of intellectual property rules.
     
  • English subtitles are required, even if the short film is in English.
     
  • Short films may not exceed 20 minutes. There is no minimum running time.
     
  • A 1280x720, MP4, H.264 copy of the short film must be submitted either by sending a DVD to Outbox Film Festival, P.O. Box 90-938, Jdeidet el Metn, Lebanon, or online via a downloadable link to hello@outboxfilmfestival.com
     
  • A submission form, available online, must be completed and sent along with short film(s).
     
  • More than one film may be submitted, each accompanied by its own completed submission form.
     
  • Non-Lebanese film(s) must not be screened in Lebanon prior to Outbox, allowing for an "Lebanese Premiere".
     
  • The deadline for submission is April 1, 2013.
     
  • Authors whose shorts are selected will grant Outbox the rights to use parts from the film(s), and this only for promotional purposes (before, during, and after the festival).
     

The awards ceremony of the Outbox International Short Film Festival 2013 will be taking place at the Roman Baths. The winning directors will be announced followed by distribution of the awards and trophies.

Winning directors will get from Cinephilia Productions, an art house film production company based in Los Angeles and New York City:

- $5,000 in services towards script consulting (with the assistance of award winning screenwriting team)
- $2,500 in services towards financial consulting (budget and fundraising plan assistance from Hollywood expert line producers)
- Co-Production opportunity

The award ceremony will be followed by the screening of winning films.

 

 

SCHEDULE

 

 


01.07.2013
OUTBOX 2013 WINNERS
 
 
Rupert Reid
for his film "Boo"
 Kasia Wilk
for her film "Bear Me"		 Hiba Tawaji
for her film "The Rope"

 

 

More Background on Outbox International Short Film Festival

The Outbox International Short Film Festival, commonly known as Outbox, is a celebrated open-air film festival based in Beirut, Lebanon. Since its founding in 2010, Outbox has become a vital platform for short filmmakers in Lebanon and internationally, recognized for its accessible format, commitment to cultural exchange, and support for independent cinema. This article provides a thorough overview of Outbox, covering its history, organizational structure, location, goals, awards, programming, audience, reputation, and cultural significance, based on publicly available information from sources other than its official website.

Origins and Organizational Structure

Outbox was established in 2010 with the aim of introducing the short film format to a broader Lebanese audience and supporting the local cinema industry. The festival was conceived as a modern take on ancient open-air theaters, gathering diverse audiences in public spaces in Beirut. Outbox is organized as an independent cultural initiative, run by a team of film professionals and cultural advocates. Its collaborative ethos is reflected in partnerships with international organizations, such as the Goethe Institut, Kurz Film Woche, and IESAV (Institut d’Etudes Scéniques Audiovisuelles et Cinématographiques at Saint Joseph University, Beirut). These partnerships have supported Outbox’s educational workshops and film programming, reinforcing its nonprofit and community-oriented mission.

Location and Venue

Outbox is renowned for its open-air screenings in the heart of Beirut, with the Roman Baths in downtown Beirut serving as a particularly iconic venue. This choice of location is central to the festival’s philosophy of accessibility and community engagement. By holding events in public spaces, Outbox removes barriers between filmmakers and audiences, making cinema a communal and inclusive experience.

Proximity and Accessibility

The festival’s central location in Beirut ensures it is easily accessible to both local residents and international visitors. The open-air format encourages spontaneous participation and attracts a wide demographic, distinguishing Outbox from more exclusive or ticketed film events. This approach has helped the festival become a visible and inclusive part of Beirut’s cultural landscape.

Festival Goals and Mission

Outbox’s mission centers on promoting the short film as a vital artistic medium and providing a platform for filmmakers from Lebanon and around the world. The festival is notable for its open submission policy: it accepts short films from all countries and genres, with no entry fees, and evaluates submissions solely on artistic merit. This inclusive approach encourages participation from a wide range of filmmakers, from amateurs to seasoned professionals.

A key goal of Outbox is to foster cultural and social dialogue through cinema. By showcasing films that address diverse themes—such as gender, family, urban life, national identity, and contemporary social issues—the festival seeks to inspire discussion and reflection among audiences. Outbox also aims to nurture the Lebanese film industry by supporting local filmmakers and providing opportunities for professional development.

Awards and Recognition

Outbox is recognized for its transparent and merit-based approach to awards. The festival’s award ceremony is typically held at the Roman Baths, where winning directors are announced and receive trophies and prizes. In 2013, for example, winners were awarded significant services from Cinephilia Productions, an art house film production company based in Los Angeles and New York City. These included:

  • $5,000 in services towards script consulting with an award-winning screenwriting team

  • $2,500 in services towards financial consulting and fundraising plan assistance from Hollywood expert line producers

  • Co-production opportunities

The awards ceremony is followed by screenings of the winning films, further celebrating the achievements of the selected filmmakers.

Programming and Workshops

Outbox’s programming is diverse, featuring short films from both professional and amateur directors across all genres and countries. The festival places a strong emphasis on educational initiatives. For instance, it has partnered with organizations like the Goethe Institut and Kurz Film Woche to offer workshops for aspiring filmmakers. In 2013, ten selected filmmakers participated in a free five-day workshop led by award-winning filmmaker Niklas Hlawatsch from Berlin. These workshops provided training in script development, shot listing, production, and post-production, culminating in the screening of the completed films in both Germany and Lebanon.

The festival’s submission requirements are straightforward:

  • Short films must not exceed 20 minutes in length (no minimum duration)

  • English subtitles are required, even if the film is in English

  • Films must be submitted in a specified digital format

  • Non-Lebanese films must not have been screened in Lebanon prior to the festival, ensuring a Lebanese premiere

Outbox also encourages multiple submissions from directors and producers, provided each film is accompanied by its own submission form.

Audience and Community Engagement

One of Outbox’s defining features is its commitment to inclusivity. The festival’s open-air, no-admission-fee format attracts a broad and diverse audience, including people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests. By reclaiming public space for cultural expression, Outbox fosters a sense of community and encourages interactive exchanges between filmmakers and viewers.

This approach not only democratizes access to cinema but also positions the festival as a platform for free expression and creative experimentation. Outbox’s audience engagement strategy has made it a beloved event in Beirut’s cultural calendar, drawing both local residents and international visitors.

Reputation, Reviews, and Media Coverage

Outbox has earned a reputation for its innovative approach to film exhibition and its unwavering support for independent filmmakers. Media coverage has highlighted the festival’s role in revitalizing Beirut’s public spaces and promoting cultural diversity through cinema. The festival’s workshops and educational programs have also received praise for their impact on the local film community.

Reviews from participants and attendees often emphasize the festival’s welcoming atmosphere, the quality and diversity of its programming, and the unique experience of watching films under the stars in historic settings. Outbox’s ability to adapt and remain relevant in a challenging socio-political environment has further cemented its status as a cultural beacon in Lebanon.

Cultural and Social Significance

Outbox holds significant cultural and social value in Lebanon and the region. By championing the short film format, the festival provides a platform for voices and stories that might otherwise go unheard. Its emphasis on themes such as identity, gender, family, and urban life resonates with contemporary audiences and contributes to broader conversations about social change.

The festival’s use of public space and commitment to free expression are particularly meaningful in a region where cultural diversity and liberal thinking can face significant challenges. Outbox’s role in promoting independent thought and artistic innovation has made it a symbol of resilience and creativity in Lebanese society.

Notable Examples and Success Stories

Over the years, Outbox has showcased a wide range of films and filmmakers, some of whom have gone on to achieve international recognition. The festival’s workshops have helped emerging talents develop their skills and produce films that have been screened both locally and abroad. The 2013 edition, for example, featured winners such as Rupert Reid for "Boo," Kasia Wilk for "Bear Me," and Hiba Tawaji for "The Rope," reflecting the festival’s international reach and commitment to excellence.

Press and Media Coverage

Outbox has been featured in various regional and international media outlets, with coverage focusing on its innovative format, cultural impact, and role in supporting the Lebanese film industry. The festival’s partnerships with organizations like the Goethe Institut and Kurz Film Woche have further enhanced its profile and contributed to its reputation as a leading cultural event in Beirut.

 

The Outbox International Short Film Festival stands out as a dynamic and inclusive celebration of short filmmaking in Lebanon. Its open-air screenings, commitment to accessibility, and support for independent artists have made it a cornerstone of Beirut’s cultural life. Through its diverse programming, educational initiatives, and community engagement, Outbox continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike, fostering a vibrant and resilient film culture in the heart of Lebanon.

 

OutBoxFilmFestival.com