Metropolis opened in 2007 as Lebanon's first art-house cinema, a project of curator Hania Mroué and producer Georges Schoucair, who also runs Abbout Productions, one of the country's leading independent film producers. It built its reputation on curated programs of independent and international films, and it became part of the wider infrastructure that helped Lebanese independent cinema grow, including scriptwriting workshops that paired directors with producers and experienced writers. Schoucair remains involved as vice president of the association. For film lovers in Beirut, it is the place to look for programs that commercial screens do not carry.
Metropolis Cinema at a glance
- Lebanon's first art-house cinema, launched in 2007
- Co-launched by Hania Mroué and Georges Schoucair
- Has hosted scriptwriting workshops for directors and producers
- Georges Schoucair serves as vice president
Who is behind Metropolis Cinema
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of films does Metropolis show?
Art-house programming: independent, international and classic films that commercial cinemas rarely screen.
Who started Metropolis?
Curator Hania Mroué and producer Georges Schoucair co-launched it in 2007.
Does Metropolis do more than screenings?
Yes. It has run scriptwriting workshops that bring together directors, producers and experienced writers.