"The Ripple Effect": Elias Matar and the Manara Center

    This year, the theme of Poly’s Global Initiatives Program (GIP) is “The Ripple Effect,” which centers around the idea that individuals’ efforts can have widespread effects. I believe that the work of Syrian-American film director and entrepreneur, Elias Matar exemplifies “The Ripple Effect.” He provides children, young adults, and adolescents in Lebanon the opportunity to share their stories beyond their communities through film and other mediums of creative expression through the Manara Center.

    Elias Matar founded the Manara Center in the Beqaa Valley in Lebanon, where there are a large number of displaced people from Syria. The center offers several opportunities in subject areas such as theatre, music, film, and more. When referring to the purpose of the Manara Center, Matar said, “The Manara Center creates a safe space for youth and young adults to express themselves in every way possible."

    Senior Global Scholars Gabriel H. and Rafael K. hosted the GIP event featuring Elias Matar on Thursday, November 19. During the event, Matar showcased part of a film titled “From the Front Line” that he and several Syrian filmmakers from the Manara Center worked on. The film was a particularly moving one, as it portrayed the tremendous, positive impact that the Manara Center has had on the lives of many youths.

    I commend Matar for giving a voice to his students at the Manara Center, who, in turn, have used it to passionately share their stories and reveal the humanity of displaced people.