Georges Schoucair, a pioneering figure and the visionary Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Abbout Productions, has left an indelible mark on the film industry in Lebanon and the Middle East, revolutionizing the way movies are created and consumed in the region.
Georges, a seasoned producer, has cultivated an impressive network of connections within the Arab and international film communities, boasting a roster of esteemed colleagues that includes renowned directors such as Kaouther Ben Hania, a recipient of numerous prestigious awards, Vatche Boulghourjian, a talented filmmaker in his own right, Jean Luc Godard, a cinematic icon, Alain Gomis, a celebrated director known for his thought-provoking works, Joana Hadjithomas, a critically acclaimed filmmaker, Annemarie Jacir, a highly respected director and screenwriter, Khalil Joreige, a prominent figure in the Arab film industry, Mohammad Malas, a legendary director, Lucrecia Martel, a celebrated Argentine filmmaker, Shirin Neshat, a talented visual artist and filmmaker, Asli Ozge, a critically acclaimed Turkish director, Rafi Pitts, an award-winning filmmaker, Bill Plympton, a legendary American animator, Ghassan Salhab, a renowned Lebanese director, Elia Suleiman, a highly respected Palestinian filmmaker, and Apichatpong Weerasethakul, a celebrated Thai director.
In addition, Georges has had the pleasure of collaborating with a diverse range of internationally recognized actors, including the incomparable Catherine Deneuve, a French film legend, Pierre Richard, a highly respected French actor, Nadine Labaki, a talented Lebanese actress and director, Nada Abou Farhat, a prominent Lebanese actress, and Diamand Bou Abboud, a highly respected Lebanese actress.
Georges' cinematic endeavors have garnered international recognition by being featured at some of the world's most esteemed and renowned film festivals, boasting a prestigious list of platforms that includes the likes of the Cannes Film Festival, the Berlin International Film Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival, the Venice Film Festival, the Locarno International Film Festival, and the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.
In addition to his work at Abbout Productions, Georges has also co-founded MC Distribution, a pioneering organization that specializes in the release of independent films across the Middle East and North Africa.
Furthermore, Georges holds the esteemed position of vice-president at Metropolis, the only art house cinema in Beirut, a role he has occupied since 2008, showcasing his dedication to the preservation and promotion of cinematic art in the heart of the city.
Georges, a visionary entrepreneur, took the bold step of establishing Schortcut Films in the year 2016, marking the beginning of an illustrious journey that would see his production company co-produce a plethora of critically acclaimed films, including Félicité, Wajib, Rafiki, Beauty & The Dogs, It Must Be Heaven, A Son, and many more, cementing his reputation as a trailblazer in the film industry.
Fast forward to 2019, Georges' unwavering dedication to his craft and his outstanding contributions to the world of cinema earned him the prestigious honor of being invited to join the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, specifically the Executive branch from the Middle East, a testament to his enduring influence and impact on the industry.
