Nadine Labaki’s ‘Capernaum’ to debut at Cannes in May

DUBAI: Acclaimed Lebanese filmmaker and actress Nadine Labaki will premiere her latest film, “Capernaum,” at the 71st Cannes Film Festival next month, according to the festival organizers, who announced details of this year’s lineup on Thursday.
Labaki’s socially conscious, humorous-but-dramatic work has made her one of Lebanon’s — and the Arab world’s — most prominent filmmakers. “Capernaum” will be the second of her three feature films to premiere at Cannes after 2011’s “Where Do We Go Now?”
Few details of “Capernaum” have so far been released, but the film reportedly focuses on a rebellious teen who decides to sue his parents for having him. Like Labaki’s previous features, “Capernaum” apparently uses mainly non-professional actors.
The Middle East will have a strong presence at Cannes this year, with Egyptian-Austrian filmmaker Abu Bakr Shawky’s “Yomeddine” also on the program.
Both films will compete in the festival’s official competition, while its “Un Certain Regard” section will include two more Arab features — “Sofia,” Moroccan filmmaker Meryem Benm’barek’s debut movie, and Syrian director Gaya Jiji’s “My Favorite Fabric” — also a debut film.
Later this week, Saudi Arabia will announce its official selection of contributing films for Cannes 2018.
Following the Kingdom’s decision to allow cinemas in the country, the Saudi Film Council announced that Saudi Arabia will have its own pavilion at the festival this year.
Cannes chief Thierry Frémaux told “Deadline,” “(This) is a great way of opening up global opportunities for (Saudi’s) creative talent. The many young filmmakers among the Saudi delegation will have access to the world’s most prestigious film festival, including meaningful interactions with leading, international film industry professionals.”

Nadine Labaki’s ‘Capernaum’ to debut at Cannes in May