Outlook’s Debanjan Dhar speaks with Lebanese filmmaker Cyril Aris about A Sad and Beautiful World, Lebanon’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars. Aris discusses how the film’s story evolved amid Lebanon’s political and social upheavals, shaping both its emotional and cinematic language. He reflects on the dynamic between the central characters, Nino and Yasmina, whose contrasting perspectives on love and hope reflect Lebanon’s own tension between optimism and despair.
Aris also explains how food functions as both a cultural anchor and a storytelling device, mapping the couple’s journey and the country’s shifting identity. He speaks about working with long-time collaborators like cinematographer Joe Sade and the challenges of balancing artistic authenticity with limited resources during the Oscar campaign. Through it all, Aris positions A Sad and Beautiful World as a deeply personal yet universal exploration of love, resilience, and belonging.
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