Cinema Metropolis, dedicated to non-commercial and independent films, has been relaunched in Beirut; By opening a new headquarters characterized by modern architecture, built especially for him. The event was celebrated on Saturday evening, less than a month after the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah came into force.
This opening comes 5 years after the closure of the two previous “Metropolis” showrooms, which were located in a small commercial complex, and the activity of the association which was responsible for it stopped due to the unprecedented economic crisis that crosses Lebanon, in addition to the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic. Hundreds of movie buffs gathered to celebrate the inauguration of this new headquarters, located in a highly symbolic neighborhood, destroyed by the enormous explosion that occurred in the port of Beirut in 2020.
A cultural adventure in times of crisis
Even if Hania Marwa, founder and director of Cinema Metropolis, is aware that any cultural or artistic activity in Lebanon is fraught with risks due to the lack of stability and government support, she said in a statement to the Agency France-Presse that “this is the right path”. time” to revive the project, and said: “At a time when during crises, people are in dire need of places that bring them together and revive their cultural identity. »
The evening was marked by touching messages of solidarity, including a recorded speech from Hollywood star Cate Blanchett, who described the new headquarters as “a testament to the ability to continue and progress culturally in tragic and difficult times.” Blanchett expressed her hope that this cinema becomes a place that brings people together and helps them reconnect.
In another message, French director Jacques Audiard called the release of Metropolis “an act of courage and freedom,” calling on Lebanese audiences to fill theaters day after day.
As for Lebanese director and actress Nadine Labaki, one of whose films was nominated for an Oscar and won several prizes at the Cannes Film Festival, she declared on the big screen: “We need this place more than ever, because it proves that Lebanon has not lost its spirit despite all the crises.
The new headquarters includes two cinemas, a film library and an outdoor courtyard for showing open-air films, in addition to the offices of the Metropolis Society for Cinematic Arts, which established the cinema in 2006.
The activity of the two former “Metropolis” theaters ceased due to the successive crises that Lebanon has experienced since 2019. The two theaters had hosted non-commercial films from around the world, in addition to international directors and actors, workshops and film festivals. cinema, and also honored former directors and organized shows for children, according to what the video broadcast during the opening of the new headquarters explains.
The Metropolis association aims to disseminate and support cinematographic culture, to offer a space to filmmakers and to preserve Lebanese cinematographic heritage. Hania Marwa says: “The project has the same objectives and values, but the new location offers us greater programming freedom thanks to the architecture and the presence of an outdoor courtyard.”
She added that the location in the heart of the city allows for connections with a new audience and area residents.
Zeina Sfeir, president of the Metropolis Association, explained that cinema in Lebanon is no longer as widespread as before. She added: “The return of Metropolis cinema to the capital is necessary, because it contributes to strengthening thought and culture in Beirut, which now has an important place. has always been a gateway to creativity.