Lead:
A global assessment has documented declining reading proficiency among minors increasingly dependent on smartphone use, marking the lowest performance level of this century. Simultaneously, Lebanese cultural practitioners are reviving classical narrative arts and staging innovative theatrical works that blend live performance with cinematic imagery, reflecting efforts to preserve and evolve traditional forms amid digital transformation.
Top Stories:
Reading Decline Linked to Smartphone Dependency — A worldwide educational evaluation reveals that minors accustomed to frequent smartphone use demonstrate significantly reduced reading levels, reaching the lowest benchmark recorded this century. The findings underscore growing concerns about technology's impact on literacy development among younger populations.Storytelling Revival in Hamana — Shadi Saad, a native of Hamana and bird-watcher, has chosen to preserve one of the oldest narrative arts by practicing the craft of traditional storytelling. The initiative represents a localized effort to maintain classical forms of oral transmission in a region where such practices face cultural pressure.Layla Kanaan at Murex d'Or 2026 — Director Layla Kanaan selected a design by Lebanese fashion designer Charbel Zoe for her appearance at the Murex d'Or awards ceremony in 2026. The choice reflects collaboration between cinema and fashion design within the regional entertainment awards circuit."Harja Saud" at Gumoon Lab — Director and writer Ghina Abboud presents "Harja Saud," a theatrical work combining live acting with cinematic imagery, in three performances scheduled from 18 to 20 at Gumoon Lab theater. The hybrid production format explores dialogue and subtext through interdisciplinary performance methods."Khartoum" Documentary Screening — A documentary film titled "Khartoum" (80 minutes) follows five residents of the Sudanese capital before war restructured the city and its inhabitants' lives, screening today at Metropolis cinema. The work documents personal narratives within a framework of historical upheaval.Coming Up:
The theatrical season continues with experimental works bridging performance traditions and film language. Regional cinema programming includes documentary projects addressing conflict and displacement in neighboring territories.