AUB releases film telling its 150-year story

BEIRUT: The newly released documentary film "On the Edge of Time – The Story of AUB" chronicles the school's endurance as a hub of knowledge in the region for over 150 years.

The film project was initiated by the American University of Beirut (AUB) 150th Committee to celebrate AUB's history. It was directed and produced by Toni Oyry, film director and instructor of journalism at AUB, and Sisu Beirut Production Company. The project engaged 40 members of the AUB community over the past year to conduct interviews with 17 AUB personalities in Lebanon and the US who narrate unique first-hand experiences during major events that have been a key part of the school's history.

"Even though the film is a historical documentary feature, my aim was to take the audience on a journey through the history of AUB from the perspective of the people who have made it what it is today," said Oyry. "I wanted to tell a story that would be accessible and engaging to everyone, regardless whether they are currently at AUB, alumni, or have no previous knowledge of the university or even the history of the region."

The production uses parallaxing, a 3-D imaging technique, with over 180 archive images. It takes the viewer through an audio-visual, "refreshing, flowing, and very moving" journey, as described by AUB President Fadlo Khuri who was engaged in the film-making project from the onset.

"It was an honor for me to be interviewed on the occasion of AUB's 150th, this was a way for me to express how AUB has affected me personally as well as thousands of people from Lebanon and the area to become better human beings," said school Trustee Emeritus Farouk Jabre.

"What we had at AUB was an unforgettable experience. The film documents the history of AUB through troubled periods of time that only left AUB stronger," added Jabre. I personally believe that, today, we are going through the second or third renaissance of AUB for a better future for the region."

AUB's milestones noted in the film are many and the personal narratives are moving; with the film sending the message that the school's journey is ongoing. Throughout, and despite many challenging circumstances, AUB has endured. Its principles, message, mission, and role anchored as the university continues to "make history."