A woman in a dark blue outfit and a man in a red shirt are running together, both appearing engaged in a lively moment.

A Sad and Beautiful World Lebanese Film Festival

  • Cinema
  • Playhouse
  • Run time: 109 minutes, plus 10 minute intro Subject to change
  • Seating map

Lebanon, USA, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Qatar | 2025 | Arabic with English Subtitles | Drama/Romance | MA15+

This special screening includes a 10 minute introduction by Lebanese Film Festival.

Across three decades of change and conflict in Lebanon, A Sad and Beautiful World follows Nino (Hasan Akil) and Yasmina (Mounia Akl), two souls connected by an enduring and magnetic love. As Lebanon experiences moments of both beauty and turmoil, the couple struggle to balance their hopes for family, stability and happiness with the realities of a country in crisis. Faced with life-defining decisions, they must choose between remaining in the place that shaped them or leaving in search of a more secure future. The film presents the deeply human side of conflict, love, identity and survival amid change and chaos. 

This film is presented as part of the 14th Edition of the Lebanese Film Festival, the largest celebration of Lebanese cinema in the world.

Presented by Sydney Opera House and Lebanese Film Festival

Event details

A film full of hope.

Cineuropa

An appealing, soulful romance with a considerable emotional tug.

Screen Daily

Cast and credits

Director Cyril Aris
Writer Cyril Aris
Writer Bane Fakih

Yasmina Mounia Akl
Nino Hasan Akil
Oumaya Julia Kassar

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Plan your visit

Address

Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Getting to the venue

The Opera House is a 7-10 minute walk from Circular Quay, and is easily accessible by car, train, ferry, lightrail, bus, bike and on foot.

Location and access

Playhouse

The Playhouse is located in the north-western corner of Sydney Opera House, best accessed through the Western Foyers.

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