“Inverted worlds” Orient-Institut beirut

Filmed and Edited by: Ali Beidoun

A short documentary about the congress held by the Orient Institut of Beirut

The Inverted Worlds – Congress on Cultural Motion in the Arab Region was held in October 2012 by the Orient-Institut Beirut and focussed on exploring arenas and manifestations of cultural change effective in the eventful and disruptive outbursts of the Arab spring. Over the five days of the congress, artists, activists and academics engaged in debate and exchange. During that time the congress addressed the manners and means of articulation and self-imaging, the medial catalysts of change, the framing that encourages both mobilization and individual action towards change, the tools and inspirations of nonviolent resistance.

The chosen metaphor of inversion relates to both the moment when established orders were toppled, and the momentum carrying cultural change in the region. The political vagueness of popular unrest and of its various backgrounds, as well as the complexity of the ensuing political itineraries, strongly encourage inquiry into the broad cultural resonances and diverse expressions which feed the aspirations for change and inspire resistance.

The congress took place in different venues in Beirut and had multifaceted topics. Scientists and those engaged in the cultural sector from all over the world discussed the cultural effects of the Arab spring. Yves Gonzalez-Quijano from Université de Lyon for example talked about Arab Rap: a Culture of Revolution and a Revolution in Culture. Sinisa Sikman from OTPOR! and Canvas in Serbia argued how 'Nonviolent Movements are Dictators' Worst Nightmares'.

The congress was accompanied by cultural events: A Night of Independent Arab Short Films and a Hip Hop Concert with Khat Thaleth entertained the participants.