Beirut’s beloved Metropolis Cinema – championed by Lebanese filmmakers as an indie cinema beacon amid bombings, despair and dysfunction – came back to life on Saturday with the inauguration of a new venue in a highly symbolic opening graced by messages of support from Nadine Labaki and Cate Blanchett.
The inauguration came amid Israel’s ceasefire with Hezbollah following months air strikes and artillery attacks. The new Metropolis Cinema location is located in Beirut’s Mar Mikhael district right across from where the tragic Beirut port blast occurred on Aug. 4, 2020 — one of the biggest non-nuclear explosions ever recorded — in which more than 200 people died.
After the previous venue was shuttered four years ago, the new state-of-the-art Metropolis complex –featuring two indoor screens, an outdoor cinema, and a garden area with a café – opened Saturday with a gala cine-concert featuring a montage of of vintage shorts from Arab archives accompanied by live music composed and performed by Lebanese composer Anthony Sahyoun.
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Blanchett in her message called the Metropolis Cinema re-opening in a new venue “A remarkable achievement.” “Not only will it be a space where Lebanese cinema can flourish and new voices can emerge, but in these deeply tragic, heartbreaking, and bewildering times, this venue in Mar Mikhael stands as a testament to resilience and cultural revival—bringing stories to life and uniting the community,” she said.
Founded by Hania Mroué in 2006 Metropolis has since been a vital force within Lebanon’s cultural landscape; the country’s only arthouse cinema and also a platform for Lebanese films when commercial cinemas refused to screen them. It was shuttered in 2020 following the COVID-19 pandemic and the country’s ensuing economic crisis.
“The opening of Metropolis Cinema in Mar Mikhael is a powerful testament to our community’s enduring love for cinema,” Mroué said in a statement.
“The Lebanese film industry is facing unprecedented challenges due to ongoing economic, political, and financial crises, threatening years of hard-won progress,” she added.
“This venue arrives at a critical moment, offering a chance to unite in solidarity to preserve our film industry, cultural identity, and heritage. This isn’t just about opening a cinema; it’s about creating a vibrant hub where we can celebrate, converse, and inspire each other, looking toward a future filled with hope and creativity,” the Metropolis Cinema founder went on to note.
“We all know that we need a space like this more than ever given the current circumstances,” said Labaki in her filmed message of support. “What’s happening is proof that Lebanon doesn’t lose its spirit, and this hall isn’t just a movie theater; it’s also a refuge for many dreams, aspirations, and ideas,” the Lebanese multi-hyphenate – who is best-known for directing 2018 Cannes Grand Jury Prize winner “Capernaum,” among other titles – added.