As an official selection of the Chashama Film Festival, “Marathon Beirut, For the Love of Lebanon” will be screening at 7:45 PM on Saturday, Oct. 24th at 217 East 42nd Street between 2nd and 3rd Ave. The runtime is 73 minutes, tickets are $7. For more info please visit www.marathonbeirutfilm.com and www.chafilmfest.com.
Synopsis:
In the aftermath of the 2006 July War, despite devastation and political upheaval, the Beirut Marathon Association chose not to cancel their November marathon, but rather to hold it as a testament to Lebanese resilience. But just five days before the race, a government minister, Pierre Gemayel, was assassinated. After much deliberation they again decided not to cancel, but to postpone the race by one week. Then, just two days before the new marathon date, Hezbollah called for a rally to overthrow the existing government. There was concern that the demonstration might
make the Lebanese fearful of coming out for the marathon, but instead there were even more participants than expected. The event took place with 22,000 people, in solidarity, running or walking the 5km, 10km and 42km races with “For the Love of Lebanon” as the theme. And of course, a Kenyan won.
The following is from the film festival site, www.chafilmfest.com:
“Our Screenings will be held at 217 East 42nd Street (between 2nd and 3rd Aves), a 74-seat venue. While you wait for your movie to start or just want to relax and see some cool art we have made 679 Third avenue our official Final Cut Lounge for all cFF goers. We will have lot’s of fun stuff going on there including panel discussions, film lectures, performances by local artists, art installations, refreshments and many more fun cool things. Check our listing on the daily news online. Single ticket $7, Day Pass $15, Weekend pass $30 (Thursday to Monday), Opening-Night All-access pass $50 (Wednesday-Monday).”
Given the 74-seat limit it might be a good idea to get tickets in advance, if only one day in advance.
Deborah Harse
212 496 0760