Film

Created in 1997, ALBA’s cineclub ‘Cult’ has a reputation for featuring well-chosen, alternative cinema and contemporary classics. It’s one of the better-organised and -marketed clubs, but like most of them will die down during the summer, when the students are on holiday, so call ahead. Films are screened every Friday at 7pm.

Club 43, A chill NGO/pub that uses all of its profits to fund a weekly free lunch for the poor and less fortunate. Call just before heading to the theatre to see what the night's film will be.

Every Thursday at 7.30pm, this brand spanking new cineclub gathers at Simply Red Cafe to watch films. Each month features the films of a select director. So come on down and indulge your film fetish at this chill cafe.

All Circuit Planète cinemas are open daily, the first films beginning at 3pm, and the last films of the day beginning at 10.30pm. They tend to be the ones to screen the bigger local releases and more artsy films, so if you’re looking for something Lebanese, check here first. The Abraj complex is a large, modern cinema the houses eight screens, an enormous lobby filled with small tables and chairs, and a brightly coloured candy and popcorn counter.

Films are projected on the wall of this relaxed cafe/pub/restaurant every night, beginning at 9pm. They make a nice conversational backdrop, or a slightly disjointed viewing experience. Entry is free, but the films are shown without sound, and are subtitled in French, English or Arabic (varies each night). If you want to pin down what’s on, call the staff just before you go.

This massive cinema was opened in May of 2006 with 9 screens. Before your film, stock up on popcorn and candy and watch movie trailers on the plasma screens decorating the walls of the spacious lobby.

A five-screen cinema located in the Dunes Centre, a mid-sized shopping centre in one of Beirut’s most popular shopping districts. Before or after your movie chow down on food in the Dunes Centre food court, play games in the basement arcade, or even try your luck at the Centre’s four-lane bowling alley.

This 5-screen cinema was the first multiplex cinema in the Middle East when it opened its doors in 1978. Today, Beirut alone boasts a huge number of multiplex cinemas, but Empire Espace continues to stand out as a top-grade cinema.

Opening in 2000 in the pleasant Galaxy Mall, the Galaxy cinema has six screens and hosts a mix of Hollywood, European and Middle Eastern films.

Begin your night out with a movie at this six-screen cinema, located at the top of Monot. Opened in 1998, this well-situated, multiplex cinema makes for a perfect date-night spot.

Please call 1269 for film screening times. All Empire Theatres release new films on Thursdays and are open daily, the first films beginning at 2.30pm, and the last films of the day beginning at 10.30pm.

All Grand Cinemas are open daily, the first films beginning at 2pm, and the last films of the day beginning at 10pm. Open 364 days a year, closing only on Good Friday. As with all cinemas in Lebanon, new films are released on Thursdays. With seven screens and located inside one of the city’s most popular malls, Grand ABC is one of the most frequented cinemas in all Beirut.

All Grand Cinemas are open daily, the first films beginning at 2pm, and the last films of the day beginning at 10pm. Open 364 days a year, closing only on Good Friday. As with all cinemas in Lebanon, new films are released on Thursdays. Grand Concorde, the eight-screen theatre lies just between Hamra and Verdun and as such attracts a fair number of AUB and LAU students. Make an afternoon of your movie excursion and after the film spend the rest of the day chilling with friends at one or more of the many cafés, restaurants or shopping venues located within walking distance.

This is one of the two weekly cineclubs hosted by St. Joseph University. Each month features films of a different theme that are screened on Mondays at 8.30pm. Expect well-chosen classic, contemporary, Arabic and international films with French or English subtitles. They even receive the occasional film premiere or special guest.

This charming three-screen cinema in Kaslik screens mostly new releases.

On Tuesdays at 8.30pm (during term-time), the school screens films in their auditorium. This is one of the best-organised cineclubs in town, so it’s well worth a visit, and the films are knowledgeably chosen. Films are usually screened in French, or at least with French subtitles, so call ahead or give it a miss if you’re not Francophone.

This two-screen cinema is the beating heart of Lebanon’s independent film scene – though it has some major releases, too. Sofil was opened in 1982 and today plays host to a number of film festivals including the Beirut International Film Festival, the Lebanese Film Festivaland DocuDays: Beirut International Documentary Festival.

The ‘Club for all People’ Cineclub was created to promote and disseminate Arabic culture. Films usually run once per month on Mondays at 7pm, but call to confirm.

A cineclub held by what must be the most cinema-loving university in Beirut. Run by psychology students, this group screens a new film every Tuesday at 7pm, on a specific psychological theme. Debates are held afterwards in French and/or Arabic.

A hot Gemmayzeh pub that has added a deliciously sinful twist to the Cineclub concept. You have to call weekly to find out what film is on, but once you get down there you can drink as much wine and eat as much popcorn as you like for LL20,000-LL30,000. Intriguing. Launching in February 2012.