Arguably the best known auteur in the Arab music video
world, the 36-year-old Lebanese actress and director is often credited for
bringing new artists onto the burgeoning Arab pop scene.
Her 2007 breakout debut, Caramel, became an international
sensation which showed the less-seen side of Beirut — a romantic comedy
centered on five women who gather regularly at a beauty salon to discuss love,
life and sex. The movie landed Labaki on Variety’s annual list of ten directors
to watch. Her second feature film, Where Do We Go Now?, scooped prizes around
the world, including the people’s choice award at the Toronto Film Festival. As
a songwriter, her regular collaborations with pop star Nancy Ajram have helped
Labaki push forward a more modern take on the current state of Arab womanhood.
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