Support Here & Elsewhere Film Festival

Events

Support Here & Elsewhere Film Festival
We are the Here & Elsewhere core founders: Lilith, Fateema, and Habib². We’re raising funds to cover the production costs of the Here and Elsewhere Short Film Festival. What is Here & Elsewhere? Here & Elsewhere is a grassroots short film festival championing voices facing systematic marginalization worldwide. Taking place this October 1–3 at the Beirut Art Center in Lebanon, it celebrates beauty, joy, and resilience; bringing together films and voices that defy stereotypes and tell richer, more authentic stories. Why we need your help: Given the dire economic situation, securing grants or sponsorships has been nearly impossible, so we’re turning to our community. We are a small group of artists volunteering our time and labor, and your contribution will directly cover essential costs: Transportation 33% Catering 16% Print Materials 13% AV Technician 11% Accommodation 10% Volunteers 10% Contingency 10% We are so grateful to Beirut Art Center for being our venue sponsor! Your impact: Every donation, no matter how small, helps us preserve culture, amplify underrepresented voices, and decolonize cinema. We are Non-Profit: 100% of ticket sales will go directly to: The Gaza Skate Team Amwaj — the debut feature film by Palestinian diaspora filmmaker Fateema Al-Hamaydeh Miller Festival details: October 1–3, 2025 Beirut Art Center, Beirut, Lebanon https://culturagroovy.com/ IG: @hereandelsewhere Tickets: https://ihjoz.com/events/8522 Thank you for believing in the power of film, in dreams… and in us.

$10 raised Of $2,000

Final Step for Elio’s Cochlear Journey

Medical

Final Step for Elio’s Cochlear Journey
Elio is a three-year-old child from Lebanon, diagnosed with bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). After a long process of audiological assessments, imaging, and consultations, his medical team confirmed the urgent necessity of a cochlear implant system to provide him with access to sound and enable the development of normal speech and language. While a large part of the expenses have already been secured, there remains a critical financial gap that must be closed in order to complete his treatment plan. Specifically, approximately 15% of the cochlear implant device cost (including the internal receiver-stimulator and the external speech processor) is still uncovered. This component is indispensable for the device’s full functionality and long-term performance. In addition, there are post-surgical expenditures that are essential to the success of the intervention, such as: • Initial activation and frequency mapping sessions (programming of the speech processor) • Ongoing audiological follow-up and fine-tuning of the device • Speech-language rehabilitation therapy to ensure optimal auditory and linguistic development • Post-operative medical care, including medications, wound care, and periodic evaluations Without securing these remaining amounts, Elio’s rehabilitation cannot be fully achieved, and the surgery would fall short of its intended outcome. Every contribution directly covers these uncovered portions of the device acquisition and mandatory post-operative therapeutic pathway, ensuring that Elio not only undergoes the surgery but also develops the ability to hear, speak, and live a full life.

$6,155 raised Of $9,000

stem cell transplantation for the child Rimal

Emergency

stem cell transplantation for the child Rimal
هذه الطفلة البريئة تصارع اليوم بين الحياة والموت… هي بحاجة ماسة لعملية دقيقة تُسمّى زرع خلايا جذعية، لكن أهلها المنهكين لا يملكون القدرة على تأمين تكلفتها الباهظة. 💔 لقد فقدوا طفلًا من قبل بنفس المرض، عجزوا عن علاجه لأن الظروف المادية كانت أقوى منهم… رحل صغيرهم بين أيديهم، وها هي طفلتهم الثانية تواجه المصير نفسه إن لم تمتد لها يد العون بسرعة. تكلفة العملية تبلغ 68,000$، لم يُجمع منها سوى 6,500$، وما زال ينقص 61,500$… كل دقيقة تمر هي خطر على حياتها. نناشدكم من أعماق قلوبنا أن تقفوا إلى جانبها، أن تمدوا يد المساعدة بما تستطيعون، فربما يكون تبرعكم سببًا في إنقاذ روح صغيرة من الموت، وابتسامة تبقى حيّة بدل أن تنطفئ إلى الأبد. This innocent little girl is now fighting between life and death… She is in desperate need of a delicate procedure called stem cell transplant, but her exhausted parents simply cannot afford the overwhelming cost. 💔 They have already lost a child to the very same illness — unable to save him because poverty stood in their way… He slipped away in their arms, and now their daughter faces the same tragic fate unless help arrives soon. The total cost of the operation is $68,000. Only $6,500 has been raised so far, leaving a remaining $61,500… Every minute that passes puts her fragile life in greater danger. We beg you from the depths of our hearts to stand by her, to extend a helping hand with whatever you can. Your contribution may be the reason a little soul is saved from death, a smile kept alive instead of fading forever.

$1,610 raised Of $61,500

Ambulance Car Jaj-Lebanon

Medical

Ambulance Car Jaj-Lebanon
Dear Family and Friends, We hope this message finds you and your loved ones in good health. We are reaching out to you with a heartfelt request on behalf of our village in Lebanon, Jaj. As you know, access to proper healthcare and emergency response is a growing challenge in our community. To ensure the safety and well-being of our families, children and elderly, we are launching a fundraising initiative to secure a modern, fully equipped ambulance to be placed at the disposal of the Civil Defense Center in Jaj. This vital resource will allow us to respond quickly to emergencies, transport patients safely, and save lives. The Civil Defense Center in Jaj is the backbone of safety in our area. Recognized and respected by all concerned authorities for its professionalism, dedication and highly skilled team, it plays a vital role in protecting lives and property. The Center provides essential emergency response and rescue services not only to our village but also to twelve neighboring villages that rely on its support. With the ongoing economic and living challenges in Lebanon, the modernization of equipment across the country has naturally been delayed. Our Center, which remains the cornerstone of protection and safety, has not yet been able to update its vehicles and tools. We are asking for your kind support – whether through a donation, by spreading the word, or by connecting us with others who may wish to help. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to guaranteeing safe and reliable emergency response services that will also meet highest medical standards. On behalf of the entire village, we thank you for your support and compassion. Together, we can make this mission a reality and bring peace of mind to every family in times of need.

$2 raised Of $19,700

Help Nour Return Home Safely With Her Cats

Emergency

Help Nour Return Home Safely With Her Cats
Hi, I’m sharing this on behalf of my dear friend Nour. Nour is one of the kindest, most selfless people I know. She has always cared for others — her father, her family, even her cats — often putting their needs above her own. But right now, she is in a place no one should ever be: struggling physically, emotionally, and financially, and she cannot get through this alone. She recently lost her job in Qatar because of an abusive manager. On top of that, she lives with multiple sclerosis (MS) and autism. Her recent MS relapse left her physically weak, and finding work while dealing with her health is nearly impossible. Due to Qatar’s Labor Laws, her company will not pay her end-of-service or notice period settlement until her notice period ends, leaving her for two months without income, without food, and without a guaranteed place to live. Her roommate is leaving soon, which will make her homeless. While she was in Lebanon, her roommate even threw away one of her beloved cats, Milky 💔, and she is still searching for him. Her remaining cat, Maxie has been her comfort and family through all of this. What Nour Needs Support For: We are asking for $6,000 (around 21,500 QAR) to cover her bare minimum needs over the next two months: 1- Credit card debt (≈10,000 QAR / $2,750): Originally used for her late father’s medical care and later for her own medical needs, and occasionally to help her family in Lebanon. Settling this is crucial for her to leave Qatar safely. 2- Rent for 2 months (≈4,000 QAR / $1,100): Either to cover her share of rent if her roommate stays, or a small partition room until she can travel. 3- Food and necessities (≈4,000 QAR / $1,100): Basic groceries, utilities, and transport. 4- Cats’ relocation (≈3,000–5,000 QAR / $830–$1,400): Covers vet care, paperwork, and travel for one or both cats, depending on whether she finds her missing cat. Regarding her Flight ticket back home: Thankfully, the company will cover her return to Lebanon once her notice period ends according to Qatar's Labor Laws too. Important: Why $6,000? This will not cover everything, but combined with her end-of-service settlement, it will allow her to survive and travel safely and have some money left to kickstart her stay in Lebanon. It will also help cover a small, recent debt she owes to friends. Even reaching half of this goal would make a life-saving difference. All Nour wants is to return home to Lebanon, to be with her family, to heal, and to start rebuilding her life. She is not asking for luxury — just a chance to survive the next two months, keep a roof over her head, and bring her cats home safely. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference. Even sharing her story can give her hope. Thank you for helping my friend Nour hold on to hope and come home safely. 💙

$50 raised Of $6,000

Stronger Together 3x30

Other

Stronger Together 3x30
On Sunday August 31st, 2025, I’ll be marking my 30th lap around the sun 🌞 with a twist - a 3x30 challenge. The goal: raise $3,300 for Embrace Lebanon, a non-profit dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health. All funds raised will go directly toward covering psychotherapy and psychiatry sessions for people in need. Every one of us has faced hard moments or stood beside someone who has. The right care at the right time can save lives, and together, we can ensure more people get that chance. 👉 If we reach our target, that means 300–600 life-saving sessions for people who otherwise couldn’t afford them. I would love for you to join me in on any (or all!) parts of the 'challenge', whether that’s in Dubai or from wherever you’re wisely avoiding the heat. The plan: 🏊‍♂️ Swim (30 mins) | 6:00 AM | Wellfit, Meydan 🚴‍♀️ Bike (30 km) | 6:45 AM | Loop Meydan 🏃‍♂️ Run (30 mins) | 8:00 AM | Loop Meydan Requirements: bike, helmet, sneakers, legs… and maybe just enough optimism to pretend this is fun 🤷‍♀️ ☕ You can also just come around for some coffee and socializing after. Whether you’re swimming, cycling, running, or cheering from the sidelines, your presence will mean a lot. With every stroke, pedal, and step, we honor the gift of movement & the strength of our bodies, and together, we remind each other we’re never alone. ℹ️ Feel free to reach out to me (+971 50 650 2909) or Nour (+971 58 599 5019) for any question. Embrace Lebanon: https://www.instagram.com/embrace_lebanon?igsh=MWhmZmlpY2g2cDF4Mw== With all the love & gratitude, Lynn 💚

$4,505 raised Of $3,300