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Cate Blanchett and Nadine Labaki were among the stars sending messages of support for Beirut's landmark arthouse Metropolis Cinema as it officially opened its new venue in the city's port area of Mar Mikhael on Saturday.
The launch marks a new chapter in the cinema's 18-year journey after being homeless for some four years, following its eviction from its previous home in the Empire-Sofil cinema in Achrafieh in 2020.
Its new location on a piece of temporarily donated land is situated directly across from the port where the catastrophic Beirut explosion occurred in 2020, killing at least 218 deaths, injuring another 7,000 people, and initially leaving 300,000 people homeless.
The new venue features two indoor cinemas, an outdoor cinema, and a green area with a café. Its cutting edge sustainable design is by architect Sophie Khayat, who has created the venue in such a way that it can be dismantled and moved to another site in the future if needs be.
The cinema's opening follows in the wake of a difficult period for Beirut and wider Lebanon, marked by economic crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic, the Beirut blast and most recently the Israel-Hezbollah war.
The Metropolis Cinema and its parent Lebanese Art Cinema were founded in 2006, with its first venue being an abandoned theatre in the Hamra neighborhood of the Beirut. Since then, despite a peripatetic existence, it has been at the heart of independent cinema culture in the city.
"The opening of Metropolis Cinema in Mar Mikhael is a powerful testament to our community's enduring love for cinema," said Metropolis Cinema Director Hania Mroué.
"The Lebanese film industry is facing unprecedented challenges due to ongoing economic, political, and financial crises, threatening years of hard-won progress. Despite these obstacles, and with emerging talents, we now need a project that unites scattered efforts and revitalizes our cultural scene.
"As we open this new space, we are deeply grateful for the support that made it possible. 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 cinema had been due to hold a glitzy opening in September, but this was cancelled after the Israel-Hezbollah conflict ratcheted up, with Israeli missiles hitting the city from September to late November, when a fragile ceasefire was agreed.
Saturday's official opening featured filmed messages of support were played from Labaki and Blanchett.
"This is a remarkable achievement, and I extend my congratulations to everyone involved in the opening of the Metropolis Cinema in the heart of Beirut. 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," said Blanchett.
"Metropolis will be a place for people to gather, and through the escape of cinema, I hope it will help them reconnect and find some solace as Lebanon faces such immense challenges. My heart is with all of you."
Lebanese actor and Capernaum director Labaki wished the Metropolis Cinema well for both its opening and its activities over the long run.
"We all know that we need a space like this more than ever given the current circumstances. 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," she said.
"It's really wonderful to see that despite everything, there are still people who dare to sow beauty, art, and culture. So, a big thank you to everyone who helped make this dream a reality. I hope Metropolis Cinema continues to thrive, and that we can always celebrate real cinema and art in this place. May we continue to gather, think, share ideas, and continue to plan for a better Lebanon.
In addition to screening independent films, the new venue will house a dedicated Lebanese film heritage resource centre. This initiative aims to preserve and celebrate Lebanon's cinematic legacy, offering students, researchers, and film professionals valuable resources.
Metropolis Cinema core mission is to promoting independent cinema, support the Lebanese film industry, and providing educational opportunities for youth, while its programming puts an emphasize on social change, environmental consciousness, and the decentralization of cultural activities across Lebanon.