As we begin this quarter, I have started to shed the summer madness and focus on tending to myself. It's time for restorative habits, to clear the clutter and tighten the routines. That means it's also time for lists. So. Many. Lists. Whether you lean into freewheeling or a "fake it till you make it" attitude to get to the other side, I hope you're also in a transformative headspace.
However, today is Saturday, and it is a universal truth that it doesn't count. Here's a different kind of list, featuring stories from this week; lounge in your cocoon for a bit longer before you get back to work. Remember, returning to business doesn't mean it has to be business as usual. Mix it up.
🥐 Last week's BiB
An actress’ redemption arc, popular cookbook re-released and Lebanon at the Oscars
'Portrait of a Lady on Fire's' Adèle Haenel interview about Global Sumud Flotilla
"Our mission is to open a humanitarian corridor and deliver aid directly to Gaza." In this quick interview, L'Orient-Le Jour spoke with French actress and feminist activist Adèle Haenel — yes, the brooding bride-to-be from the auteur film "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" — while she was still at sea to discuss her unwavering commitment to the flotilla's mission. Haenel had boarded the Global Sumud Flotilla but had to leave the boat she was on due to engine damage.
Metropolis' fantasy film festival returns for 7th edition
Speaking of auteur films, Metropolis in Beirut continues its film festival streak with the seventh edition of "Maskoon," a highly anticipated event dedicated to genre and fantasy films; the lineup features a tribute to the late David Lynch — who passed away this year — with "Lynch/Oz" and "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me." Read about the discussions and workshops featured in the event here.
The last tarboosh maker in Lebanon
When I visited the ancient citadel in Tripoli, I felt like I was stepping into an imaginary world brought to life. I recently learned that in that area, once bustling with artisans and merchants, sits Mohammad Chaar, 38, the last tarboosh maker in Lebanon. Busy at work, he is personally keeping the 125-year-old tradition alive and diligently fulfilling the niche demand for tarabeesh. Who is his primary customer base, you might wonder? Read this portrait to find out.
Depoliticizing heritage with Aliph's Valery Freland
Heritage protection was a recurring theme in our publication this week. Read this in-depth interview with the executive director of Aliph, a non-governmental organization in Geneva solely dedicated to funding, protecting and rehabilitating cultural heritage in conflict zones. The director provides an overview of how Aliph works to safeguard heritage in Lebanon and the surrounding region.
60 years of 'The Sound of Music'
Today in the pop culture aisle, there's a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the historic musical "The Sound of Music." Among the guests of honor are, of course, the descendants of the Von Trapp family, whose story was famously the inspiration for the musical. Read all the lore and a shout-out to timeless star Julie Andrews here.
I'm too pretty to get smacked: Diva Beirut
L'Orient-Le Jour spoke with drag queen Diva Beirut in a playful interview that often took unexpected turns. This quirky chat is not only fun to read but also explores the audacious diva's life in detail. Get to know her here if you dare.
Honorable mention: Here's a kebbe nayye recipe with an unusual twist for your cookout this weekend. Don't knock it till you've tried it.
Kick off this new month by checking out your list of cultural events in Lebanon and the region, curated by Marguerita Sejaan. Here's to the art in (and of!) transformation, blank slates and mixed-media classes.
JD Vance to Geagea: US engaging Iran to pressure Hezbollah