13/08/2026
AL-MU7AFFIZ 2026 Grantee Spotlight # 10
REEF - ريف — Community Artsassociation
REEF Encounters 2026 is the 8th edition of a rural arts and environmental festival that grew from a simple observation in 2018: Akkar lacked cinemas, cultural spaces, and regular access to artistic experiences. This reality became evident while filmmaker Raheb was preparing a screening of her documentary "Those Who Remain", filmed in Akkar about Haykal Mikhael, a farmer whose deep relationship with the land and natural heritage inspired many in the region. In response, REEF was created to bring culture directly into rural landscapes and communities. This year, under the theme “Keepers of the Land,” the festival presents Lebanese and Arab films exploring ecological issues, the Haykal Prize for environmental short films, a tribute to Haykal Mikhael and his legacy continued by his son Thomas, live concerts by Akkari musicians, and workshops led by women practitioners working with sustainable materials and traditional artistic techniques. Through this multidisciplinary program, REEF fosters cultural participation, environmental awareness, and artistic exchange in one of Lebanon's most underserved regions.
