The Beirut Banyan

We're joined by Elias Maalouf, founder of Train/Train NGO.

We get into the origins of the rail network of Lebanon and how Lebanese excelled at rail in the late 19th century. The discussion covers Ottoman politics, French Mandate pursuits, and post-independence reluctance to retain rail throughout the country. The conversation also covers Beirut's old tram network and its dismantlement in the early 1960s, and how protests by rail employees helped preserve rail until the onset of the civil war.

There is a brief intermission at 30:00, where the conversation takes a turn from general history to Elias' personal story. If a break is needed mid-way, that's a good spot to pause and return later.

Check out 5:57 - 6:47 of the following link for footage from 1921 of the old tram network in Beirut:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EHxGt2oiSA

Click on the following link for an interview with my doppleganger, Eddy Choueiri, about a book that he and Elias worked on together titled 'Liban Sur Rail':

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvn1AwU0mMM

And join Train/Train's Facebook page to see events they're coordinating by clicking here:

https://www.facebook.com/traintrainlebanon/

In defense of Mashrou' Leila and artistic expression.

Our first episode. We meet with film director Ziad Doueiri at his editing studio in Paris, and we discuss all aspects of his filmmaking. From his initial career on the set with Quentin Tarantino to his most recent Oscar-nominated film 'The Insult', and from his adolescent years roaming the streets of Hamra to his recent decision to live abroad. We jump into the making of 'Lila Says' and the political fallout of 'The Attack', and how its repercussions were personally felt when he was briefly detained in Lebanon. We also jump into the making of 'West Beirut' and the storytelling craft he applies regardless of where he's filming.

Music by Marc Codsi, and graphic design by Sarah Tarhini.

Follow us on twitter: @beirut_banyan

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Facebook: @thebeirutbanyan

An introduction to 'The Beirut Banyan' podcast. Storytelling and conversations, from Beirut and beyond. Music by Marc Codsi and graphic design by Sarah Tarhini.