A Sad and Beautiful World

'A Sad and Beautiful World' tells the love story between Nino and Yasmina. Over three years filled with passion, weariness and hope, the two protagonists find themselves irrevocably drawn to each other by something almost magnetic. However, there comes a time when Nino and Yasmina must face a complex decision: love or survival. Amidst the tragedy devastating their country, Lebanon, they will have to choose between starting a family and seeking happiness or succumbing to the misfortune and dangers that surround them.

Cyril Aris directs and writes ' A Sad and Beautiful World', the latter alongside Bane Fakih. Aris' feature film stars Mounia Akl and Hasan Akil as Yasmina and Nino. Alex Choueiry and Mohamad Farhat play the younger versions of the two characters, respectively. Other cast members include Omar Layza, Valentina Hachem, Yara Zakhour, Joseph Zaitouny, Julia Kassar, Sandy Chamoun, Nadyn Chalhoub, Tino Karam and Camille Salameh. 

' A Sad and Beautiful World' has had a successful run at festivals, including the Venice Film Festival, the BMI London Film Festival, SEMINCI and the Hamburg Film Festival. It is a Lebanon-Germany-Saudi Arabia-Qatar-United States co-production, involving companies such as Abbout Productions and Reynard Films. 

' A Sad and Beautiful World' will be released in cinemas on 13 February 2026.