COSTA BRAVA, LEBANON (2021)

Synopsis:

A couple decides to escape the toxic pollution of Beirut by seeking refuge in a utopic mountain home. But unexpectedly, a garbage landfill is built right outside their fence, bringing all the trash and corruption they hoped to leave behind. 

Director: Mounia Akl
Writer: Mounia Akl
Country: Lebanon, France, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Qatar
Production: Abbout Productions (Myriam Sassine, Georges Schoucair), Barentsfilm, Boo Pictures, Cinéma Defacto, Fox in the Snow Films, Gaïjïn, Lastor Media, Snowglobe, Participant

Funds:

New Century Production award ($10,000), 4 TFL Co-Production Award and Grant, the Doha Film Institute Fall Grant 2018, the CNC Development Award at the 71st Cannes Film Festival, and RT Feature Fellowship-Sundance Screenwriters and Directors Lab. 

Awards / Nominations:

Fipresci award for Best First Work at El Gouna Film Festival, Egypt 

Green Star award at El Gouna Film Festival, Egypt

Golden Star at El Gouna Film Festival, Egypt (nomination) 

Audience Award at London Film Festival, UK 

Sutherland Award at London Film Festival, UK (nomination) 

NETPAC Award at Toronto International Film Festival, Canada 

Grand Jury Prize at Seville European Film Festival, Spain 

Golden Giraldillo at Seville European Film Festival, Spain (nomination) 

Gold Hugo at Chicago International Film Festival, USA (nomination)

New Talent Award at Hong Kong Asian Film Festival, Hong Kong (nomination) 

Antigone d'Or at Montpellier Mediterranean Film Festival, France (nomination) 

Audience Award - Armani Beauty (Orizzonti Extra) at Venice Film Festival, Italy (nomination) 

Reviews:

Variety 

Screen Daily 

The Hollywood Reporter