Following the Beirut explosion, over 135 people have passed away, many have been injured, and thousands have been left nearly homeless. While Lebanon’s citizens are grieving and fiercely dealing with the aftermath, many of us here in the UAE have been trying to find ways to help. If you’re interested in finding out how then click here.
The UAE’s indpendent theatre, Cinema Akil, is also doing its part. Cinema Akil has partnered up with MENA distributor Front Row Filmed Entertainment to hold Beirut Relief Screenings on August 10, 14, and 15. The cinema will be presenting two film options – “Where Do We Go Now?” by Nadine Labaki, and “West Beirut” by Ziad Doueiri. Cinema Akil is not only honouring Lebanon by showing these Lebanese director’s works, but the films chosen are significant to the current crisis that Lebanon is undergoing.
Both Where Do We Go Now? and West Beirut are reflections of a Lebanese society that come together, and work together, to overcome the volatile circumstances of the country’s politics. In a way, these films are great and honest symbols of how the people of Lebanon are fighting back currently.
Tickets to watch these screening are being sold at Dhs52, and are currently sold out! All of the proceeds will be going to the Lebanese Red Cross.
Although tickets to watch the films have been sold out, there are still ways that you can help out.
Cinema Akil states that there will also be a drive where you may drop any helpful supplies to be sent to Lebanon – “we are also launching a drive to collect urgently-needed items in Warehouse 46, and will have a collection point for any spare change in A4 Space.”
Another option that the creative community in the UAE has presented is purchasing this print for Dhs195.
Similarly to Cinema Akil, 100% of the proceeds will be going to the Lebanese Red Cross.
For more information on Cinema Akil’s screenings, click here.