Nadine Labaki

Nadine Labaki (Arabic; نادين لبكي ) (born February 18, 1974) is a Lebanese actress and director. She is one of the well known directors in the Arabic music video industry. Nadine is usually credited for bringing artists into the scene.

In 2007, Labaki co-wrote, directed, and starred in her feature-film debut, Caramel, which became an international sensation at film festivals and went on to achieve box office success. It showcases a Beirut that most are not familiar with. Rather than tackle political and religious issues which have plagued Lebanon, she presents a romantic comedy that deals with five Beirut women who gather at a beauty salon and deal with love, sexuality, tradition, disappointment, and everyday ups and downs.

The film garnered Labaki much acclaim as both a director and actress, and put her on Variety's 10 Directors to Look Out for List.

Caramel was distributed in more than 40 countries around the world, and it premiered at some prestigious film festivals along the way. Here is a rundown of its journey around the world.

July 31, 2007: Caramel was the opening movie of the Paris Cinéma Film Festival

August 9: Caramel was released in Beyrouth (a risky decision made by Labaki in order to premiere in Lebanon before any other country). In one week, 2,873 moviegoers saw the movie. It remained number 1 at the Lebanese box office throughout August and September 2007. More than 160,000 Lebanese embraced the film, helping it gross around $667,000 there alone.

August 14: Caramel debuts in France at number 2 at the box office in its first week. More than 500,000 watched the movie in France.

Ramad (Ashes) - a short film by Joanna Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige,

The Seventh Dog - a short film by Zeina Durra,

Non métrage Libanais - a short film by Wissam Smayra,

Bosta - a long feature by Philippe Aractingi,

Caramel or Sukkar Banat (premiered in Cannes 2007).

Rasasa Taycheh (2010)