On January 20, 2023, The Arab Institute for Women (AiW), in collaboration with the Alumni Relations Office at the Lebanese American University (LAU), hosted the screening of the award-winning documentary “OCTOPUS” by Mr. Karim Kassem (BA ‘12).

The documentary “OCTOPUS” distinctively captures the traumatic moments which many have endured shortly post the Beirut Blast, yet in a very silent, poetic, and sensitive representation. The film reproduces the events in the aftermath of the blast through the portrayal of a pattern of scenes which allows the audience to recall and rethink a moment of terror and what has now become a dividing line in the history of the country.

In an opening word, Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations Mr. Abdallah El Khal expressed his sincere appreciation for Mr. Kassem’s work of art and offered him, on behalf of the LAU Alumni Relations office, an honorary award. Then, Director of The AiW, Ms. Myriam Sfeir, shared her acknowledgement of the film’s warm, sentimental, and powerful message, and emphasized the need to never forget the Blast’s existential impact on Lebanon and its people.

At the end of the screening, amid rounds of applause, the audience shared with Mr. Kassem their many opinions and feelings. As many explained, the film reawakens the quiet thoughts of those who have survived the Blast’s shock waves and provides a metaphysical perspective to remember a devastating episode in the history of Lebanon.

The screening concluded with a Q&A session.