Events

PSU Park Blocks across from Smith Memorial Student Union

Distraught over their city’s recent destruction during the Lebanese Civil War, Yasmine and Leila embark on a journey in search of Beirut’s past glory. They carry with them two rare, unreleased film prints which help them land a meeting with the reclusive and eccentric film connoisseur, Monsieur Farouk.

Through the magic of cinema, the three travel back in time on a mythical, history-laden tour of the city. Here, Once Upon a Time: Beirut shines as the travelers visit the Beirut of the French-directed films of the 1930s. Next they explore the Beirut of the 1960s as seen through the sense of Arab filmmakers and finally they visit the Beirut of the large-scale American studio efforts of the 1970s.

In Arabic and French with English subtitles

Bring a beach chair or a picnic blanket and enjoy this film under the stars on the South Park Blocks!

Free & open to the public

The Middle East Studies Center at Portland State University promotes understanding of the people, cultures, languages and religions of the Middle East. As a National Resource Center for Middle East Studies under the U.S. Department of Education’s Title VI program, the Center serves as a resource on issues pertaining to the Middle East through activities that reach students and scholars, as well as businesses, educators, and the media. The Middle East Studies Center supports academic conferences, workshops, cultural events, lectures, and a resource library.

www.pdx.edu/middle-east-studies/ | middleeaststudiescenter@pdx.edu | 503-725-4074