Hon. Danièle Henkel: Honourable senators, today, it is with heartfelt joy that I celebrate Lebanon Cinema Days in Canada, passionately presented by the Beirut Film Society until October 5 in Montreal. I am honoured to be the honorary chair of the jury.

Cinema is not merely art. It is also shared memory, a mirror held up to society, a universal language that brings people together across borders.

Over 140 years ago, the first known Lebanese immigrant, Ibrahim Abou Nader, arrived in Montreal. He came with nothing but two good hands and stories of a country that he carried in his heart. As he peddled his wares down the snow-covered streets, he brought much more than goods: he brought Lebanon.

For nine years, the Beirut Film Society has made Lebanese cinema come alive in Canada by creating spaces for discussion and by transforming movie screens into instruments of diplomacy.

More than a series of screenings, the event gives a voice to people who journeyed across continents and across generations, and invites new audiences to join the conversation.

This event, a true educational experience, showcases the wealth, challenges and impact of Lebanese culture within our collective heritage.

Canada’s Lebanese diaspora forms a living bridge between our two countries. It is at the heart of our cultural and economic exchanges. It carries with it the creativity, enterprising spirit and resilience that characterize Lebanon, and uses it to enhance the vitality of Canada.

In fact, diplomacy is also built on art, education, business and everyday dealings. Cultural exchanges open the way to two-way economic exchanges. This festival is a good example of that: By opening a window on Lebanon through its films, it is also opening a door to broader collaboration between our societies.

I commend this vision and the platform it provides to share stories and ideas and to forge new alliances — the true levers of development.

May the Lebanese film festival be a resounding success!

Thank you.