Almost every day now, Lebanese people are forced to say goodbye to their favorite places. Now, it is Empire Metropolis in Sofil, Ashrafiyeh.
For about 11 years, this cinema has been independent movie lovers’ number one spot in Lebanon. Its unique and artistic films captured the hearts of many true cinema fanatics.
This cinema started just for the love of cinema and went to become a Beirut landmark throughout the years. But like many other places in the country, the economic crisis wasn’t kind to it.
This place was also forced to shut down due to financial difficulties, leaving many people heartbroken.
Even fundraisers couldn’t save this place from being destroyed economically. All that its fans are left with now are the tears, joy, hope, and thrill that they experienced on those red chairs in front of that big screen.
Metropolis Empire Sofil has welcomed thousands of spectators along the years from all over Lebanon and the world. Its noble cinematic objectives will forever be much appreciated and remembered.
It allowed many people to discover cinema in all its shapes and forms, and others to freely show their work in a supportive place. That, as well as the events it hosted for the sole purpose of discovering the vast world of Arab and foreign films.
The journey of this cinema may be over for now, but the one of Metropolis association is still alive in Lebanon. We hope that this phenomenon stops soon and that we don’t lose any more precious places.
