Lebanon (2009 film) Lebanon (2009 film) Lebanon (; Lebanon: The Soldier's Journey in the UK) is a 2009 internationally co-produced war film directed by Samuel Maoz. It won the Leone d'Oro at the 66th Venice International Film Festival, becoming the first Israeli-produced film to have won that honour. In Israel itself the film has caused some controversy. The film was nominated for ten Ophir Awards, including Best Film. The film also won the 14th Annual Satyajit Ray Award. Maoz based the film on his experience as a young Israeli conscript during the 1982 Lebanon War. The British newspaper "The Guardian" has described it
65th Venice International Film Festival in Venice will indicate whether Joel and Ethan Coen can repeat their success of 2008 with the Academy Award-winning Venice entry, "No Country For Old Men". Unlike the Cannes Film Festival, American filmmakers have only twice won the coveted prize at Venice (with the majority of prizes going to European or Asian filmmakers over the past 65 years). It is also famine for British films, as none were selected for competition in this year's festival. Despite the dearth of English-speaking films, several films at the fest are likely to make a splash at this year's Oscars in Hollywood. A trend