Photo Courtesy of Dior

It wouldn’t be a typical Cannes’ Film Festival without Nadine Labaki’s attendance, and the film director did not disappoint. The international film festival was not just a celebration of films this year. It was also a celebration of female talent and artistry.

Indeed, it was amidst the world’s biggest connoisseurs and A-listers that the Lebanese director earned a 15-minute standing ovation after the premiere screening of her movie “Capharnaum”, which depicts the life of a 12-year old boy named Zain, victim of child abuse. Putting into sight a dark reality, Nadine Labaki’s film won her the Jury Prize, making her the first Arabic female director to win a major prize. And while the Palme d’Or prize was won by Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda, Labaki touched the hearts of many with her heartfelt interpretation of child neglect and abuse. She also dedicated her glory to the cast of her film, giving misfortunate children the chance to finally be heard.