Syrian Stories
Short films
Syrian Stories is a collection of short documentary films produced through a series of workshops run in 2017 by the British Council, Bidayyat for Audiovisual Arts and the Scottish Documentary Institute.35 emerging Syrian filmmakers based in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey participated in this programme which seeks to build skills in creative documentary filmmaking and support the next generation of Syrian film-makers to use their creative talents to challenge stereotypes and share the experiences and perspectives of displaced Syrians with the wider world.
To date, the programme has supported the production of 11 short documentary films which tell personal stories of individuals or families displaced by the conflict. Check out the trailer for the full collection of films here - https://vimeo.com/239615232
As part of Tourab: Syria Art Space, we will screen the following five films from the project.
Face to Face
A cinematographer gives an intimate account of his work as a filmmaker in Aleppo and the lasting emotional impact this experience has had on him
A film by Hassan Kattan, Thaer Mohammed, Wael RIhani
With Fadi El Halabi
Homeland
All too often we take our families for granted when they are nearby. A young Syrian woman, now living in exile in Beirut, relies on daily phone calls with her mum in Aleppo in order to get news. However, with the fear of surveillance, little can be said and food becomes the exchange for love.
A film by Jalal Aldin Jabri, Naama Al Awani, Mohamed Nossirat, Tima Abdul
My Other Half
In Istanbul a family learn to live with their grief and share memories of a relative killed in detention.
A film by Ghith Beram, Hala Al Sayasneh, Salah Al Ashkar
The Dream
Selling coffee and shining shoes are one of the few jobs available to Syrian youth in exile on the streets of Beirut. Ahmad pours all his energy and spare time in self -improvement to achieve the dream of a better life.
A film by Rawan Burhan, Dania Ghanayem, Rabee Karzoun
Suspended Lives
A top commandant from the Syrian National Army took the grave decision to defect which means leaving all his possessions behind and taking refuge in Jordan.
By: Hiba Zaheer Hamdi, Esraa Abdulhamid Ibrahim Awad, Mohammad Azmat Al-Labbad