Nadine Labaki
Encyclopedia
Nadine Labaki (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 people are not familiar with. Rather than tackle political and religious issues which have plagued Lebanon, she presents a romantic comedy that deals with five Lebanese women who live in Beirut and gather at a beauty salon and deal with issues related to 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.
Her latest movie, Where Do We Go Now?
, a musical comedy-drama set in an isolated village has won the 2011 People's Choice award at the Toronto International Film Festival
.
, Lebanon
, on 18 February 1974 to Antoine and Antoinette Labaki, Nadine participated as a contestant on the televised talent show Studio el fan
, in the early 1990s in the "directing" category. For the competition, she directed a music video, "Habeebi Ya," for an amateur singer called Carla. Carla is now a well-known presenter in Rotana
music channel's program "Rotana Café."
Her first video was "Tayr El Gharam" for the Lebanese artist Pascale Machaalani
. Later on, she did another two videos for Noura Rahal, but these videos did not draw much attention. Her follow-up effort with Katia Harb for the music video of the song "Ma Fina" garnered more recognition.
Labaki's real breakthrough was Nancy Ajram
's video "Akhasmak Ah." The video showcased Nancy as the waitress of a traditional Egypt
ian coffee shop where she serves and entertains male customers. The video raised controversy, but Nadine justified her use of this character as a powerful and attractive female figure.
Nadine continued to have huge successes—with Ajram, specifically, in videos like "Ya Salam" (which portrays the life of a sad star), "Lawn Ouyounak" (a magical wedding), and "Inta Eih" (a heart-breaking drama in which she was able to show us Ajram's acting ability). The three videos gained huge popularity, and they were awarded with best-music-video honors.
Nadine also signed a Coca-Cola
endorsement, where she does Coca-Cola Light commercials. So far, Nadine has done only one Coca-Cola Light TV commercial and a few promotional ads for the press.
In an interview aired on Future Television, both Nadine and Caroline stated that their passion for production and directing is derived from their uncle (their mother's brother). They described the way he used to recount his directing visuals as if he just envisioned them.
Nadine also started exploring acting, initially in the Lebanese movie Bosta
. However, she did not perform the singing shown in the film.
In 2007, Nadine continued to escalate her career with her first feature film, entitled Caramel
. In addition to directing the film, she acted in one of the lead roles. The film was met with much acclaim in Lebanon
and around the Middle East. It also premiered at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival
during the Directors' Fortnight
. It continued its run at several other high-profile film festivals, including the Toronto Film Festival and AFI
. Caramel grossed well over $13 million dollars, having cost $1.6 million to make. It continues to expand in different countries around the world, including the U.S.A. and the United Kingdom
.
Shortly after the movie release, Labaki married Khaled Mouzanar, the music composer for Caramel.
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2010
2011
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
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
Caramel (film)
Caramel , the first feature film by Lebanese director/actress Nadine Labaki, is a 2007 Lebanese film. The film premiered on May 20 at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival, in the Directors' Fortnight section.It ran for the Caméra d'Or....
, which became an international sensation at film festivals and went on to achieve box office success. It showcases a Beirut
Beirut
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, with a population ranging from 1 million to more than 2 million . Located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline, it serves as the country's largest and main seaport, and also forms the Beirut Metropolitan...
that most people are not familiar with. Rather than tackle political and religious issues which have plagued Lebanon, she presents a romantic comedy that deals with five Lebanese women who live in Beirut and gather at a beauty salon and deal with issues related to 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
Variety (magazine)
Variety is an American weekly entertainment-trade magazine founded in New York City, New York, in 1905 by Sime Silverman. With the rise of the importance of the motion-picture industry, Daily Variety, a daily edition based in Los Angeles, California, was founded by Silverman in 1933. In 1998, the...
s 10 Directors to Look Out for List.
Her latest movie, Where Do We Go Now?
Where Do We Go Now?
Where Do We Go Now? is a 2011 film by Lebanese director Nadine Labaki. The film premiered during the 2011 Cannes Film Festival as part of Un Certain Regard . The film was selected to represent Lebanon for the 84th Academy Awards...
, a musical comedy-drama set in an isolated village has won the 2011 People's Choice award at the Toronto International Film Festival
Toronto International Film Festival
The Toronto International Film Festival is a publicly-attended film festival held each September in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In 2010, 339 films from 59 countries were screened at 32 screens in downtown Toronto venues...
.
Overview
Born in BaabdatBaabdat
Baabdat is a town located in the Matn District of Mount Lebanon, 22 km from Beirut at an altitude ranging between 800 to 1050 meters above sea level. The lush pine forests that surround the town make it a very popular summer resort for those escaping the busy coastal cities of Lebanon,...
, Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
, on 18 February 1974 to Antoine and Antoinette Labaki, Nadine participated as a contestant on the televised talent show Studio el fan
Studio el fan
Studio El Fan was a Lebanese talent show broadcast on Télé Liban during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s in Lebanon and throughout the Arab world. Like the Olympics, the show ran every four years for an entire calendar year. Contestants from all over Lebanon competed. The best contestants in the...
, in the early 1990s in the "directing" category. For the competition, she directed a music video, "Habeebi Ya," for an amateur singer called Carla. Carla is now a well-known presenter in Rotana
Rotana (television)
Rotana is a series of free television channels broadcast terrestrially in Saudi Arabia and on satellite television for the Arab World and the Arab Diaspora. The channels are part of the Rotana Group a big pan-Arab entertainment group.-General:...
music channel's program "Rotana Café."
Her first video was "Tayr El Gharam" for the Lebanese artist Pascale Machaalani
Pascale Machaalani
Pascale Bechara Bachaalani, better known as Pascale Machaalani, born March 27, 1967 is a Murex d'or Award nominated Lebanese singer. Her debut album Sahar Sahar rose her to stardom throughout the Middle East, making Mashalaani one of the most successful female artistes in 1990s Lebanon...
. Later on, she did another two videos for Noura Rahal, but these videos did not draw much attention. Her follow-up effort with Katia Harb for the music video of the song "Ma Fina" garnered more recognition.
Labaki's real breakthrough was Nancy Ajram
Nancy Ajram
Nancy Nabil Ajram is a multi-platinum Lebanese singer and Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. With the support of her father, Nancy began performing as a child and released her first studio album by the age of 15...
's video "Akhasmak Ah." The video showcased Nancy as the waitress of a traditional Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
ian coffee shop where she serves and entertains male customers. The video raised controversy, but Nadine justified her use of this character as a powerful and attractive female figure.
Nadine continued to have huge successes—with Ajram, specifically, in videos like "Ya Salam" (which portrays the life of a sad star), "Lawn Ouyounak" (a magical wedding), and "Inta Eih" (a heart-breaking drama in which she was able to show us Ajram's acting ability). The three videos gained huge popularity, and they were awarded with best-music-video honors.
Nadine also signed a Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola is a carbonated soft drink sold in stores, restaurants, and vending machines in more than 200 countries. It is produced by The Coca-Cola Company of Atlanta, Georgia, and is often referred to simply as Coke...
endorsement, where she does Coca-Cola Light commercials. So far, Nadine has done only one Coca-Cola Light TV commercial and a few promotional ads for the press.
In an interview aired on Future Television, both Nadine and Caroline stated that their passion for production and directing is derived from their uncle (their mother's brother). They described the way he used to recount his directing visuals as if he just envisioned them.
Nadine also started exploring acting, initially in the Lebanese movie Bosta
Bosta
Bosta is a 2005 Lebanese film by the director Philippe Aractingi. Bosta is a story of young Lebanese artists who meet again, after being separated, and tour different cities of Lebanon in an old bus, performing a techno version of the dabkeh that shocks conservatives, but moves forward towards the...
. However, she did not perform the singing shown in the film.
In 2007, Nadine continued to escalate her career with her first feature film, entitled Caramel
Caramel (film)
Caramel , the first feature film by Lebanese director/actress Nadine Labaki, is a 2007 Lebanese film. The film premiered on May 20 at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival, in the Directors' Fortnight section.It ran for the Caméra d'Or....
. In addition to directing the film, she acted in one of the lead roles. The film was met with much acclaim in Lebanon
Lebanon
Lebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
and around the Middle East. It also premiered at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival
2007 Cannes Film Festival
The 2007 Cannes Film Festival, the sixtieth, ran from 16 to 27 May 2007. Wong Kar-wai's My Blueberry Nights opened the festival, and Denys Arcand's The Age of Ignorance closed...
during the Directors' Fortnight
Directors' Fortnight
Directors' Fortnight is an independent section held in parallel to the Cannes Film Festival. The section was created in 1969 after the events of May 1968, in which the Cannes festival was canceled in solidarity with striking workers....
. It continued its run at several other high-profile film festivals, including the Toronto Film Festival and AFI
American Film Institute
The American Film Institute is an independent non-profit organization created by the National Endowment for the Arts, which was established in 1967 when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act...
. Caramel grossed well over $13 million dollars, having cost $1.6 million to make. It continues to expand in different countries around the world, including the U.S.A. and the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
.
Shortly after the movie release, Labaki married Khaled Mouzanar, the music composer for Caramel.
Music videos
2001- "Tayr el Gharam" – Pascale MachaalaniPascale MachaalaniPascale Bechara Bachaalani, better known as Pascale Machaalani, born March 27, 1967 is a Murex d'or Award nominated Lebanese singer. Her debut album Sahar Sahar rose her to stardom throughout the Middle East, making Mashalaani one of the most successful female artistes in 1990s Lebanon...
- "Salemly Albak" – Noura RahalNoura RahalNoura Rahal is a popular Lebanese/Syrian singer from Damascus, who has also had brief acting stints.Noura Rahal was born to a Lebanese father and Syrian mother in Syria...
2002
- "Shoflak Hall" – Noura RahalNoura RahalNoura Rahal is a popular Lebanese/Syrian singer from Damascus, who has also had brief acting stints.Noura Rahal was born to a Lebanese father and Syrian mother in Syria...
- "Ma Fina" – Katia Harb
2003
- "Akhasmak Ah" – Nancy AjramNancy AjramNancy Nabil Ajram is a multi-platinum Lebanese singer and Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. With the support of her father, Nancy began performing as a child and released her first studio album by the age of 15...
- "Ya Salam" – Nancy AjramNancy AjramNancy Nabil Ajram is a multi-platinum Lebanese singer and Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. With the support of her father, Nancy began performing as a child and released her first studio album by the age of 15...
- "Habib Albi" – Carole SamahaCarole SamahaCarole Samaha is a Lebanese musician and actress. She has released five studio albums. Samaha has a masters degree in acting and directing, which she earned in 1999. In 2004 she won the Arab Music Award for best female newcomer...
- "Sehr Ouyounou" – Nancy AjramNancy AjramNancy Nabil Ajram is a multi-platinum Lebanese singer and Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. With the support of her father, Nancy began performing as a child and released her first studio album by the age of 15...
2004
- "Al-Urdun" – Guy ManoukianGuy ManoukianGuy Manoukian is a Lebanese-Armenian musician, composer and pianist. He is a university graduate in law. He was also a basketball player in the Lebanese Basketball League.-Biography:...
- "Tala' Fiyi" – Carole SamahaCarole SamahaCarole Samaha is a Lebanese musician and actress. She has released five studio albums. Samaha has a masters degree in acting and directing, which she earned in 1999. In 2004 she won the Arab Music Award for best female newcomer...
- "Ah W Noss" – Nancy AjramNancy AjramNancy Nabil Ajram is a multi-platinum Lebanese singer and Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. With the support of her father, Nancy began performing as a child and released her first studio album by the age of 15...
- "Jayi el Hakika" – Star AcademyStar Academy LebanonStar Academy Arab World, also known as Star Academy: Al-Academya or Star Academy LBC, is a pan-Arab televised talent show, which began in 2003 that features a group of young male and female candidates from all over the Arab world....
- "Lawn Ouyounak" – Nancy AjramNancy AjramNancy Nabil Ajram is a multi-platinum Lebanese singer and Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. With the support of her father, Nancy began performing as a child and released her first studio album by the age of 15...
2005
- "Bahebak Mot" – Yuri Mrakadi
- "B'einak" – Nawal Al Zoghbi
- "Ya Shaghelny Beek" – Nicole SabaNicole SabaNicole Saba is a singer and actress from Lebanon, she is of Armenian origin.From 1998-2001, Saba was a member of the Lebanese pop group The 4 Cats, then embarked on a solo singing as well as an acting career. Her debut album was released in 2004, and her first film came out in 2003...
- "Enta Eih" – Nancy AjramNancy AjramNancy Nabil Ajram is a multi-platinum Lebanese singer and Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. With the support of her father, Nancy began performing as a child and released her first studio album by the age of 15...
2006
- "I'tazalt El Gharam" – Magida El Roumi
- "Yatabtab " – Nancy AjramNancy AjramNancy Nabil Ajram is a multi-platinum Lebanese singer and Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. With the support of her father, Nancy began performing as a child and released her first studio album by the age of 15...
2010
- "Fi Hagat" – Nancy AjramNancy AjramNancy Nabil Ajram is a multi-platinum Lebanese singer and Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. With the support of her father, Nancy began performing as a child and released her first studio album by the age of 15...
Feature films
2007- CaramelCaramel (film)Caramel , the first feature film by Lebanese director/actress Nadine Labaki, is a 2007 Lebanese film. The film premiered on May 20 at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival, in the Directors' Fortnight section.It ran for the Caméra d'Or....
or Sukkar Banat (premiered in Cannes 2007). One of the main characters, she owned a salon with two friends.
2011
- Where Do We Go Now?Where Do We Go Now?Where Do We Go Now? is a 2011 film by Lebanese director Nadine Labaki. The film premiered during the 2011 Cannes Film Festival as part of Un Certain Regard . The film was selected to represent Lebanon for the 84th Academy Awards...
released and premiered in the Un Certain RegardUn Certain RegardUn Certain Regard is a section of the Cannes Film Festival's Official Selection. It is run at the Salle Debussy, parallel to the competition for the Palme d'Or.This section was introduced in 1978 by Gilles Jacob...
section at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival2011 Cannes Film FestivalThe 64th annual Cannes Film Festival was held from May 11 to May 22, 2011. American actor Robert De Niro served as the president of the jury for the main competition and French filmmaker Michel Gondry headed the jury for the short film competition...
.
Acting
- Ramad (Ashes) - a short film by Joanna HadjithomasJoana HadjithomasJoana Hadjithomas is a Lebanese film director, screenwriter and producer. She often collaborates with Khalil Joreige. A Perfect Day is one of their most acclaimed films, and earned them the Don Quixote Award and the FIPRESCI Prize at the Locarno International Film Festival...
and Khalil JoreigeKhalil JoreigeKhalil Joreige is a Lebanese film director, screenwriter and producer. He often collaborates with Joana Hadjithomas. A Perfect Day is one of their most acclaimed films, and earned them the Don Quixote Award and the FIPRESCI Prize at the Locarno International Film Festival...
, - The Seventh Dog - a short film by Zeina Durra,
- Non métrage Libanais - a short film by Wissam Smayra,
- BostaBostaBosta is a 2005 Lebanese film by the director Philippe Aractingi. Bosta is a story of young Lebanese artists who meet again, after being separated, and tour different cities of Lebanon in an old bus, performing a techno version of the dabkeh that shocks conservatives, but moves forward towards the...
- a long feature by Philippe AractingiPhilippe Aractingi-Career:Born and raised in Beirut, Aractingi has made more than 40 films throughout his career, ranging from reports and documentaries to more personal and fictional films, all taking place in various countries around the world....
, - CaramelCaramel (film)Caramel , the first feature film by Lebanese director/actress Nadine Labaki, is a 2007 Lebanese film. The film premiered on May 20 at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival, in the Directors' Fortnight section.It ran for the Caméra d'Or....
or Sukkar Banat (premiered in Cannes 2007). - Stray Bullet (2010)
- Where Do We Go Now? Where Do We Go Now?Where Do We Go Now? is a 2011 film by Lebanese director Nadine Labaki. The film premiered during the 2011 Cannes Film Festival as part of Un Certain Regard . The film was selected to represent Lebanon for the 84th Academy Awards...
(2011) - Al Abb Wal Gharib (The Father And The Foreigner) (2011)