Film Screening: “Dancing on the Edge of a Volcano” | With Commentary From: Professor Marilyn Matar
The Institute for Middle East Studies is proud to present a screening of Dancing on the Edge of a Volcano with post-viewing commentary provided by Professor Marilyn Matar.
On August 4th, 2020, the catastrophic explosion at the port of Beirut left a large part of the Lebanese capital in ruins. In the midst of the chaos, a troubled film crew faces an overwhelming decision: to continue the production of their movie or abandon it? As they face the aftermath of the catastrophe, they are torn between their firm belief in the transformative power of cinema, opposing a deep sense of cynicism about its ability to enable change in a nation plagued by economic turmoil and societal collapse. Dancing on the Edge of a Volcano chronicles their struggles and highlights the crew’s resilience as they strive to find meaning and purpose in their work amidst the devastation.
All are welcome to join us for the screening of this award winning-documentary, followed by an in-depth discussion led by Professor Matar. This event is free and open to the public.
Speaker
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Marilyn Matar is an Associate Clinical Professor of French and Director of the Language House Living–Learning Program in the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at the University of Maryland’s College of Arts and Humanities. Her research and teaching focus on French and Francophone studies, film and media, and the cultural and literary production of the Middle East, with particular attention to questions of exile, memory, and identity.
