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 Algerian helmer Tariq Teguia is screening "Inland". Asia could win the Golden Lion for best film for the fourth year running. Leading the Japanese line-up is "Akires to kame" (Achilles and the Tortoise) directed by Takeshi Kitano. Kitano is a favored son in Venice, having already won the 1997 Leone d'Oro for "Hana-bi" (Fireworks) and who was awarded a special prize for his direction of "Zatoichi" in 2003. Films being screen out of competition include "35 Rums" by French director Claire Denis, Iranian film-maker Abbas Kiarostami's film, "Shirin" and an autobiographical documentary by Belgium-born director Agnès Varda. The "record" for