The Circuit

Though Beirut's Intl. Film Fest is still skedded to unspool Oct. 3-10, the fallout from months of political deadlock in Lebanon between pro- and anti-government factions has brought much of the cultural activity in the country to a standstill. "I'm preparing as if it's going ahead, but we will make our final decision on Sept. 10," says beleaguered fest director Colette Naufal. "There is talk of war in the country connected to the presidential elections on Sept. 25. The show must go on, but if there's a physical war, we cannot host it. Even if we do hold the festival, at least we won't have to spend too much on flying guests over. No one wants to come to Beirut now."

(Mike Jones)