- Title: Beirut festival screens world's largest 3D projection
- Date: 5th July 2017
- Summary: BEIRUT, LEBANON (JULY 3, 2017) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF MEGA ARENA IN BEIRUT HIPPODROME VARIOUS OF PEOPLE AT FESTIVAL (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) SECRETARY GENERAL OF BEIRUT CULTURAL FESTIVAL ASSOCIATION, IZZAT KORAYTEM, SAYING: "We and Beirut's Municipality decided on this location for its beauty, its greenery, and we wanted to do something that is appropriate for the whole family. After the dome last year, we decided to build this mega arena that you see behind you, in which we wanted to do two really beautiful scenic projects, one that is a journey through time to introduce people to Beirut, and another entitled 'Alwan Beirut' to introduce all children to Lebanon."
- Embargoed: 19th July 2017 11:44
- Keywords: Beirut Cultural Festivals Guinness World Record largest stereoscopic 3D projection in the world Lebanon Beirut cartoon animation 'Alwan Beirut'
- Location: BEIRUT, LEBANON
- City: BEIRUT, LEBANON
- Country: Lebanon
- Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment
- Reuters ID: LVA0016OFUZX1
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: The second edition of Beirut Cultural Festivals is attracting people of all ages with its green location in the heart of the capital and outdoor activities and events.
Set in Beirut's Hippodrome, this year's festival also included a screening of animated film 'Alwan Beirut' (Arabic for 'The colours of Beirut') projected on a giant screen measuring 2446 square metres, which was awarded the Guinness World Record for the largest stereoscopic 3D projection in the world.
As well as Alwan Beirut, a second film 'Journey through time' was shown, with both films chronicling Beirut's rich history, explained Izzat Koraytem, the secretary general of the festival.
"We and Beirut's Municipality decided on this location for its beauty, its greenery, and we wanted to do something that is appropriate for the whole family. After the dome last year, we decided to build this mega arena that you see behind you, in which we wanted to do two really beautiful scenic projects, one that is a journey through time to introduce people to Beirut, and another entitled 'Alwan Beirut' to introduce all children to Lebanon," Koraytem said.
Alwan Beirut tells the story of a cartoon jar and his adventures through Beirut, and was shown in 2D at the festival.
The film's director, Emile Adaimi, said the one-hour long animated film aims to entertain children while also educating them about their country and its capital.
"The story is about 'Mim'. 'Mim' is a small jar that wants to return colours to the heart of Beirut, so he goes to all the areas, he brings a colour from each place and he returns them to the heart of Beirut, to nourish it and return its colours. At the end of the story, some problems arise and all the characters from each area unite to help him return the colours. It is a story that focusses on coexistence and living together, that is the most important thing that we want to teach our children in Lebanon," Adaimi said.
Audience members and their children were delighted with the screening, with parents keen to teach their children more about Lebanon's history.
"First of all, it's a Lebanese production, we want to encourage something that is made in Lebanon. Second, it's a huge screen, the biggest in the world so they (her children) have to see it and third of all, because it talks about Beirut and we want to introduce them (children) more to Beirut since they are Lebanese," said mother and children's entertainer, Kiki Naim, who had brought her children to watch the film.
"This show should be watched by all the schools in Lebanon, and all the parents should bring their children to watch it, because it talks about something historical and geographical that is really beautiful. It is done in a very well-ordered, artistic and educational way. I really wish that this sort of event happens more often for children," said another visitor, Hatoum, after watching the film.
The Beirut Cultural Festivals, which began on June 28 is running until July 5. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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