2013 Winners & Shortlists

Brief Explanation

In Lebanon, national pride has become a subjective concept, with citizens celebrating their own sect's accomplishments over the country's as a whole. With the country's loyalties divided, Lebanon's Independence Day has taken a back seat and the unity that other countries experience on their national days has all but disappeared. We watch a man setting up his home for what seems like a party. Banners are put up, balloons are blown and a plate is set out - but with the monotone ticking of the clock in the background we get the sense that a certain party spirit is missing. At the end, we reveal the man is in fact celebrating Independence Day all by himself in a sad little party for one, highlighting the fact that no one likes to celebrate alone.