Cinematheque Beirut is an ambitious project that aims to become an innovative and dynamic facility dedicated to the art and conservation of cinema in Lebanon. It continues the efforts undertaken by the Metropolis Association in terms of promoting the Lebanese and Arab cinema heritage and documenting the Lebanese movie production.

Till this day, the historical value attributed to moving images remains insufficient in Lebanon. It is almost impossible to come across intact copies produced prior to the 1990s; having largely been destroyed during the war, the few that remain are in a disastrous state. The lack of a dynamic documentation facility and absence of a comprehensive archive have been the primary factors precipitating the deterioration of the national film heritage.

It has therefore become a priority within the cultural sector to assemble and preserve all cinematographic elements in existence. Metropolis aims to drive this initiative, along with partner institutions and its network of contributors, by launching a pilot project that will incite the film industry and society as a whole to safeguard their cultural heritage.

Metropolis concentrates now its efforts the creation of favorable conditions for the preservation of the national cinematographic heritage. Our main concern is to create tools and contents that are useful and accessible to as many people as possible. By focusing on research and archives, Cinematheque Beirut is destined to bring together professionals, students, local and international journalists and researchers and film enthusiasts from different horizons in an environment conducive to the creation and study of cinema.