The Lebanese Rocket Society
by Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige
The Strange Tale of the Lebanese Space Race
In the early 60’s, during the cold war and apex of Pan Arabism, a group of students led by researcher Manoug Manougian enters the race to space and create the Lebanese Rocket Society. The intention of the group was to create and launch rockets for space study and exploration.
They produced the first rocket of the Arab World. The project had no military character and was aimed at promoting science and research. These days, considering the world divisions and the bellicose attitudes, it would be unconceivable to allow a small team of dreamers to launch rockets into the skies of the Middle East. This adventure now plays out as anecdote in the course of history, a story kept secret.
Through their work with documents, archives and animation as well as reconstitutions and art installations, the artists attempt to question this story and the ideas of reenactment, reconstitution and restaged in the present time.
See the film’s trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Full list of screenings:
Tues 15th Oct – OxDox Film Festival, Ultimate Picture Palace (preview)
Tues 15th Oct – The Electric Cinema, London (preview + Q&A with Joana and Khalil hosted by Kaleem Aftab)
Thurs 17th Oct – Hackney Picturehouse (preview + Q&A with Joana hosted by Omar Kholeif)
Thurs 17th Oct – The Arnolfini (preview + artist discussion with Khalil, see: http://www.arnolfini.org.
Friday 18th Oct – Opens at the ICA for 2 weeks
Friday 18th Oct – Opens at the Ritzy (TBC, not yet confirmed)
Friday 18th Oct – Opens at the Glasgow Film Theatre
Friday 18th Oct – Opens at Tyneside Picturehouse
Friday 18th Oct – Opens at Nottingham Broadway Cinema
Sunday 20th Oct – One-off screening, Brighton DOY
Monday 21st Oct – One-off screening, Manchester Cornerhouse + Q&A
Friday 25th Oct – Opens at Cambridge Arts Picturehouse
Friday 25th Oct – 2 shows tbc at Lexi Cinema, Kilburn London
Tues 29th Oct – One-off screening, Hyde Park Picturehouse Leeds
Sun 3rd Nov – 3 shows, Dundee Contemporary Arts
Weds 6th Nov – One-off screening, CCA Glasgow
Mon 11th Nov – 3 shows, Eden Court Theatre
Weds 13th Nov – One-off screening, Mosaic Rooms, London
Tues 19th Nov – One-off screening as part of Come Along Do at Chapter Arts, Cardiff
Fri 29th Nov – 2 shows, Ipswich Film Theatre
