A team of the Faculty of Humanities’ (FH) Radio/TV students and alumni at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) participated in the renowned 48 Hour Film Project 2023, earning the 1st place win as well as multiple awards for their film, “I am a Chef," including:
- Best Film
- Audience Choice Award
- Best Directing (Andrew Dawaf)
- Best Writing (Elio Tarabay)
- Best Cinematography (Chris Akoury)
- Best Actress (Joy Frem)
- Best Actress (Mirna Bou Abboud)
- Best Use of Line
- Best Use of Character
The FH team’s film details the misadventures of Hala and Farah, who, mistaken as chefs, embark on an absurd journey in order to cook a lobster, in the hopes of earning additional income. The project’s crew comprised:
- Director: Andrew Dawaf
- Writer: Elio Tarabay
- Producer: Christelle Rmeily
- Cast: Mirna Bou Abboud, Joy Frem
- First Assistant Camera and Colorist: Talal Traboulsi
- First Assistant Director: Zinia Khalife
- Script Supervisor: Vana Akhrabian
- Assistant Art Direction: Tatiana Mouzaya
- Prop Master: Rafka Helou
- Sound Engineer: Jovani Dib
The 48 Hour Film Project is a global initiative known for being the largest filmmaking competition worldwide. Operating in over 100 cities across the globe, the competition has attracted acclaimed industry figures such as Martin Freeman, J.K. Simmons, J. Lee, and Dennis Farina. The challenge is for local teams of various professional backgrounds to write, shoot, produce, and edit a film within 48 hours. At the end of the competition, the films are screened in local theaters for the teams, judges, and public. The city awards are then announced, ranging from Best Acting, Best Directing, to the highly coveted Best Film award. The Radio/TV team thus secured an impressive victory with their short film, having earned not only the 1st place win for Best Film, but also amassing a remarkable roster of awards.
Given their recognized cinematic prowess, the students and alumni now have the opportunity to screen their film and represent Beirut in Lisbon, Portugal, at the Filmapalooza, the finale of the 48 Hour Film Project, in March 2024. The Filmapalooza will feature the local winning films and announce the Grand Champion of the year. Moreover, the NDUers will be participating in “Yes We Cannes,” a contest wherein films compete for the opportunity to be featured at the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner..
Best of luck to our Radio/TV students and alumni on the remainder of their journey! You make NDU proud.