Initially established in 2006 on Hamra Street with just a screen, a projector, and 100 seats, the Metropolis Cinema Association (MC) became the sole defender and promoter for independent Lebanese and Arab cinema through diverse programming, industry training, outreach to young audiences, and the preservation of film heritage to increase access to alternative films. Its subsidiary, MC Distribution, was established in 2009 as an independent film distribution company in Lebanon. In 2008, as the audience and demand for independent cinema grew, the association moved to the Empire-Sofil cinema in Achrafieh — a two-screen venue that the association has been programming since then. Despite the various challenges posed by the economic collapse, the aftermath of the Beirut port explosion, and COVID-19 restrictions, Metropolis resumed its public programs in 2021, decentralizing and expanding its activities to 11 locations nationwide.
Intersections — UK Film Festival in Lebanon: This inaugural biannual festival showcased 12 UK films, exploring the intersection of film, gaming, and technology. European Film Festival: The 29th edition featured the Lebanese premiere of the Oscar-winning animation FLOW. The 30th edition is currently in development. Italian Film Festival: The second edition featured HANIA MROUE CO-FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR | LEBANESE contemporary Italian works, such as PRIMAVERA. South Screens — ‘Shift:’ A new festival themed around regional change, supported by the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture. Lebanon Week of Cinema: In collaboration with the Lebanese Ministry of Culture, this program brought restored Lebanese classics back to the big screen. Maskoon Fantastic Film Festival: Powered by Metropolis, the region’s only festival dedicated to genre cinema (horror, fantasy, and sci-fi), held its 7th edition in October 2025. La Semaine de la Critique on Tour (Winter 2026): Metropolis hosted selected films from the Cannes Critics’ Week to support emerging international voices. Nineteenth Anniversary Celebration: In honor of nearly two decades of operation, Metropolis held a series of ‘Short Film Nights’ highlighting young Lebanese filmmakers.
