The world’s leading streaming entertainment service Netflix is collaborating with the Arab Fund of Arts & Culture (AFAC) to launch a relief fund to support Lebanon’s thriving TV & film industry.
Netflix created a $500,000 fund that will provide financial support to the hardest hit creatives of Lebanon’s TV/film community in the form of individual $2,000 grants.
The fund comes in response to the tragic blast that shook Beirut over two months ago, in a country that is also struggling with a massive resurgence of COVID-19 infections. To top it off, Lebanon’s suffering the worst economic crisis in decades.
“The Lebanese creative community and Beirut’s thriving cultural scene form the backbone of entertainment across the Arab world. We are so grateful to be working with the Arab Fund for Arts & Culture and hope this fund supports the creative community during this difficult period,” said a Netflix spokesperson.
Lebanese titles frequent the streaming service, such as ‘Heaven Without People‘, which literally broke Netflix the day after its release and hit #1 on Netflix in Lebanon, as well as various of Nadine Labaki’s award-winning films.
Creatives severely affected by the blast or who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic can now start applying for a grant through AFAC’s website by October 26th until November 9th.
In the application, they must list five of their most recent works as well as details on whether or not they’ve received other emergency support or funds.
Hopefully, Lebanese filmmakers don’t turn the Beirut blast into a drama series because that didn’t work well for producers at Shahid.
