BEIRUT - The Ehden Cinema Festival, planned by the Midan organization, was launched yesterday evening in a dinner gathering on the 28th of August, in the presence of Marada leader Sleiman Frangieh and Communication Minister Gebran Bassil, along with a mass attendance of media figures and directors.

During the event, the best three short movies realized by Lebanese young students from different colleges were exhibited to the judges. The movie “Beirut and Beirut and Beirut”, directed by USEK student Assi Rahbani (Assi Rahbani’s grandchild) received the Golden Apple award.

Besides the trophy, Assi also won a two-ticket trip to Hollywood granted to him by Sleiman Frangieh’s spouse Rima Frangieh. On the other hand, the Silver Apple was given to the young director Lea Cremona from Saint Joseph University for her movie “Sana Helwa” (Happy Birthday). Lea will also be awarded a two-ticket trip to the Cannes Cinema Festival. Finally, the movie “Khabrieh” (a story) by Fouad Yammine from the Lebanese University got the Bronze Apple in addition to a Camera given by the president of the actors syndicate in Lebanon, Antoine Kerbaj.

The event ended by honoring the recently deceased Lebanese director Randa Chahal and the international director Youssef Chahine for their great work and contribution to the Arab cinema.