Parachutes - Unlimited Art -

The idea is to have a once-a-week gathering of like-minded artists, performers, and talents to present and discuss what they have to offer. Organized by Nathalie Jeha, Rachel Maksoud, and Roland Azar, the first installment of “Parachutes” was held at Nova Club in Sin El Fil on Tuesday, August 7, 2012. The night presented music, short films, and photography, all courtesy of some very talented, newly surfacing Lebanese artists. The inspiration for the event came about when Nathalie decided it was time to gather as many artists as possible under one roof, in one event, to highlight their abilities and to help push them into the spotlight.

Nour Nimri, accompanied by Anthony Abdel Massih, opened the first “Parachutes” show with his impassioned, acoustic renditions of some great songs such as Street Spirit (Radiohead), Black (Pearl Jam), and Run (Snow Patrol). Speaking for myself, I’m enchanted-head over heels-obsessively replaying his voice in my head-excited for the next time I get to hear him again…captivated! These days, with all the fresh bands forming and seeking gigs and events to debut in, I find it hard to catch a really talented musician/singer. You’ve got to sift through them all very well to get a handful, or two, of legitimately talented performers. Nour Nimri is one of those talented few! Anthony Abdel Massih also played a major role, strumming alongside Nour and making the music come alive. Cheers to them!

Now on to the short films… four movies were screened. Each screening was summed up with a discussion/debate where the audience got to ask questions and give comments. Everyone intently fixed their eyes on the projector screen and absorbed the individual profoundness characterizing each movie: Anarchy, a film by Beatrice Moukhaiber (NDU), Kello Ndif, by Shadi Maanna (AUST), Paradise Realm, by Elie Choufany (USEK), and last, but certainly not least- especially because it was my favorite, Al Arrab, by Maurice Lattouf (ALBA). Barely a sound was heard when the films were being projected and I found the eager silence odd for a Lebanese group of heads, keeping in mind that, as Lebanese people, we are naturally loud and boisterous about everything we do. Following the silence was an enthusiastic round of applause wrapping up each film. The audience was enthralled by these fresh college graduates who so bravely put their projects up for comment and criticism. All comments turned out to be supportive and constructive, in attempt to encourage and promote these filmmakers.

Next, Cliff Makhoul, a gifted Lebanese photographer, presented his project in the form of a slideshow, with emphasis on the importance of creating a project with an underlying theme and concept. His photos depicted urbanism and the not-so-ideal reality in which Lebanon’s architecture frequently comes out of: Generation to generation of buildings, built window-to-window, with little to no greenery and clear skies in reach. His photos were well received by the crowd and brought on some insightful questions and comments. Personally, the pictures brought to me a realization of the truth that we live in, and I hope it struck some sense of “call-to-action” in the architects and engineers of the audience.

Closing the event, Nour Nimri and Anthony Abdel Massih once again took center stage as they riveted the crowd with some more ear-pleasing, heart-wrenching tunes. I left Nova feeling truly satisfied and filled to the brim with positive vibes. The first “Parachutes” event has proved itself to be one of the best (actually, in my opinion THE best) art exhibition/show/gathering-whatever you want to call it. Normally, when a small, local gig is organized at Nova, or anywhere else, the show-up is poor, the bands are not all satisfactory, the crowd is not always engaged, and the sum up of the event is “okay”. I was really impressed with last night’s congregation of art-lovers and even the media exposure, with Beiruting.com, Al Akhbar newspaper, and Future TV covering the event.

Raw, unrefined emotion and a mature, yet artistically fulfilling display of truly indefatigable talent… I’d give it two thumbs up, for lack of additional thumbs. 

-Photos belong to Beiruting.com-