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A major retrospective honors Polish master Krzysztof Kieślowski at Metropolis Cinema in Beirut. From June 10 to 15, six of his most acclaimed films will be screened in their restored versions with English subtitles.

The Metropolis Cinema Association and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Lebanon are currently hosting “Colours of Life,” a retrospective dedicated to the deeply human and emotionally rich films of one of Poland’s most revered filmmakers, Krzysztof Kieślowski. Running from June 10 to 15, 2025 at Metropolis Cinema in Mar Mikhaël, the retrospective features six of his most acclaimed feature films—each exploring the complexities of human existence with poetic precision.

“This is a project we’ve dreamed of for years,” says programmer Nisrine Wehbe. “We began working with the Polish embassy back in 2019, but the idea remained on hold due to lack of funding.” She continues, “We simply didn’t have the budget. Now, thanks to a modest but pivotal grant, these cinematic gems have finally been restored, and we’re thrilled to bring them to the screen.”

The event also marks a major milestone for the new Metropolis venue. “While Metropolis has hosted many festivals before, this is the first time we’re dedicating a full retrospective to a filmmaker or actor in our new space,” Nisrine Wehbe adds. And it’s just the beginning: “There’s no shortage of timeless cinema classics, and we’re committed to bringing more retrospectives like this to life.”

The buzz around the new Metropolis is real. Recent events, including the European Film Festival, saw packed screenings and sold-out shows. But Metropolis is far more than just a festival venue. “Outside of special events, we always have two films running in our regular program,” Nisrine Wehbe notes. “We strongly encourage film lovers to come discover them.”

This new chapter also offers an opportunity to connect with a broader audience. “We’re excited to welcome new viewers while continuing to serve our loyal patrons,” Nisrine Wehbe says.

“Colours of Life” opens on Tuesday, June 10 at 8 PM with Three Colors: Blue, the first installment in Kieślowski’s iconic Three Colors trilogy. Juliette Binoche stars as Julie, a woman attempting to rebuild her life after the sudden loss of her husband and daughter. The film received the Golden Lion and Best Actress Award at the Venice Film Festival in 1993, the European Film Award at the Goya Awards in 1994, and two César Awards (Best Actress and Best Editing) the same year.

The retrospective will also feature Three Colors: White, Three Colors: Red, The Double Life of Véronique, A Short Film About Love, and A Short Film About Killing.

Kieślowski: Finding the Extraordinary in the Everyday

Krzysztof Kieślowski’s work redefined modern cinema. He delved into the rawness of the human soul and fearlessly raised existential and moral questions. Themes like fate, coincidence, connection, and the subtle rhythms of daily life run through his films, all framed by a uniquely rich visual style.

For cinephiles who pay close attention, his films are filled with symbolic details and moments of dry humor. In Blue, White, and Red, for instance, an elderly woman seen disposing of her recycling appears in each film—a seemingly trivial action that quietly links the trilogy and underscores Kieślowski’s genius for layering narrative and thematic threads. He invites us to question randomness, meaning, and the invisible connections between people.

Close up on Juliette Binoche in Three Colors: Blue

In Three Colors: Blue, Juliette Binoche delivers a masterclass in emotional nuance. Through silence, small gestures, and fleeting glances, she captures the ache of loss and the struggle for liberation. Her character seeks anonymity, trying to escape her past while confronting its lingering pain. In one of the film’s most unforgettable scenes, she scrapes her knuckles against a stone wall—a visceral expression of her inner torment.

Juliette Binoche’s raw, restrained performance earned her multiple awards, including the César for Best Actress and the Volpi Cup at Venice.

All screenings begin at 8 PM at Metropolis Cinema (Mar Mikhaël).
Films will be shown in restored versions, in the original language with English subtitles.