By Jaimee Lee Haddad
First and foremost, I hope you're holding up ok during this challenging time here in Lebanon. It’s been a particularly tough week and understandably the mood this weekend will be more somber than usual.
That said, I still wanted to check in and say that if you are in need of some distraction or seeking a momentary sense of normalcy, here are a few, more uplifting reads that might offer a welcome change of pace:
Metropolis and BAC — Beirut’s cultural icons
Great news for culture lovers: Metropolis Art Cinema is reopening this summer — a comeback that also mirrors the resilient spirit of the Beirut Art Center. Among Lebanon’s abundant art and cinema scene, these two iconic institutions stand out for their unique contributions and innovation. Jim Quilty explores their parallel journeys and meets with the visionary directors leading the charge.
Illustrations by Jaimee Lee Haddad
A candid chat with the King of Romance, Wael Kfoury
Despite his illustrious career spanning three decades, Kfoury has rarely spoken to the press. But on the night of his second Beirut Forum concert, he opened up to Gilles Khoury about the pressures of fame, his enduring passion for music, and his profound love for Lebanon. Khoury was struck by Kfoury's humility and authenticity, as endearing as his captivating voice.
Illustrations by Jaimee Lee Haddad
Lebanon’s new beauty queen
Despite challenging circumstances, the show must go on. And that was certainly the case for this year’s edition of Miss Lebanon. Our cultural editor Karl Richa was there last weekend and remarked that “while the visual and graphic content of the contest didn’t change, the stories told are far more in tune with a time when women’s voices are finally being heard.” Take a behind-the-scenes look at the glamorous event and its quest for escapist entertainment, set against a backdrop of regional tension.
Illustrations by Jaimee Lee Haddad
I hope you enjoy a moment of respite this weekend. Take care.