Randa Chahal Sabbag, a multifaceted artist, was born on December 11, 1953, in Tripoli, Lebanon, to an Iraqi mother and a Lebanese father. This remarkable individual's life was marked by a remarkable career as a film director, producer, and screenwriter.
Throughout her body of work, which consisted of nine narrative films and documentaries, Chahal explored the complex and often tumultuous relationships between characters, weaving a narrative tapestry that was both poignant and thought-provoking. Her films were characterized by their satirical tone and trenchant dialogue, which left a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike.
One of her most notable films, Civilisées (A Civilized People),a black comedy that tackled the sensitive topic of the Lebanese Civil War, was met with controversy and censorship. Despite this, Chahal's work continued to gain recognition, and in 2003, her feature film The Kite won the prestigious Silver Lion award at the Venice International Film Festival, as well as several other notable prizes.
This remarkable achievement was followed by the National Order of the Cedar decoration in the grade of Officer, bestowed upon Chahal by the country of Lebanon in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the world of cinema.
Tragically, Randa Chahal Sabbag passed away at the age of 54 in Paris, France, leaving behind an unfinished film and a legacy that continues to inspire and influence filmmakers to this day.
