"Distorting Lebanon's Image": Cynthia Kassis Criticizes Film "Only Rebels Win"

Lebanese artist Cynthia Kassis sparked controversy after criticizing the film "Only Rebels Win" at the El Gouna Film Festival, stating that it presents a stereotypical and distorted image of Lebanon.

Cynthia Kassis expressed her dissatisfaction with the Lebanese film "Only Rebels Win," directed by Lebanese-French director Danielle Arbid, following its screening during the ninth edition of the El Gouna Film Festival.

The artist criticized the image reflected by the work regarding Lebanon and Lebanese society, considering that it relies on false stereotypes and focuses on sensitive characters, issues, and controversial scenes, which may give audiences an impression that does not accurately reflect the reality of Lebanese society, especially as the film is screened at an international festival attracting audiences from different cultures.

Cynthia Kassis expressed her stance on the film through the "Story" feature on her Instagram account, explaining that she felt severe displeasure after attending the special screening of the work at the El Gouna Film Festival.

She noted that Lebanon has long suffered from stereotypes that do not reflect its diversity and reality, expressing her rejection of focusing on sensitive characters, scenes, and issues and presenting them in a way that may entrench inaccurate perceptions of Lebanese society.

The Lebanese artist affirmed that she does not oppose artistic freedom or the treatment of various social issues, but she rejects reducing an entire country to a single image she sees as distorted, especially when the work is presented to an international audience that may form impressions about Lebanon based on what they see on screen.

Cynthia emphasized that the film, in her view, does not represent Lebanon, confirming her rejection of the image it presents of her country, and considering that Lebanon is more diverse, rich, and beautiful than this cinematic treatment reflects.

Plot of the film "Only Rebels Win"
The film "Only Rebels Win" participates in the official competition for feature-length narrative films within the events of the ninth edition of the El Gouna Film Festival. It is written and directed by Danielle Arbid, starring Hiam Abbass and Amin Ben Rashid.

The film's events take place in the Lebanese capital Beirut, revolving around an unconventional love story between a Lebanese widow of Palestinian origin and a Sudanese refugee youth, amidst a set of social and cultural challenges related to age difference, identity, and discrimination.

The work addresses issues of love and individual freedom in the face of societal constraints, through a relationship that places its protagonists before society's perceptions and preconceived judgments, raising questions about individuals' ability to choose their life paths away from social pressures.