The Lebanese Film Festival Australia (LFF Australia) has received official recognition in the NSW Parliament for its outstanding contributions to arts, culture, and community. In a heartfelt speech, Dr David Saliba, Member for Fairfield, praised the festival’s growth, community impact, and dedication to celebrating Lebanese heritage through film.
Founded in 2011 and completely volunteer-led, the Lebanese Film Festival has become a nationally recognised cultural event since its first screening in 2012. Over the past 12 years, the festival has showcased more than 360 films to over 45,000 attendees across Australia, highlighting the talents of both local and international filmmakers. Notably, the festival also runs programs aimed at engaging school students and nurturing Australian Lebanese filmmakers.
Dr Saliba commended the festival’s executive committee and co-founders—Camille Lattouf, Jessica Khoury Zeait, Julia Lattouf, and Priscilla Fayad—for their leadership and vision, as well as the many volunteers whose commitment has made the festival a success. He stated, “Their efforts contribute to the cultural vibrancy of our community.”
Following the parliamentary recognition, members of the Lebanese Film Festival team had the opportunity to meet with Dr Saliba at Parliament House. They expressed their gratitude for his continued support and hospitality.
In a social media post, the team reflected on the significance of the moment: “His acknowledgment of our work reinforces the impact of Lebanese storytelling in Australia and the importance of bringing communities together through film. Moments like these remind us why we do what we do—celebrating the richness of Lebanese heritage through cinema.”
As the festival continues to grow and inspire, this recognition serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role cultural initiatives play in uniting diverse communities and preserving heritage through creative expression.
