Syriarama: A brief history of the Syrian Film Industry

An article published in Impressions, the British Airways inflight magazine.  

You never heard of Syrian cinema? Well, you don’t have to worry about that, for it doesn’t exactly mean that you are an ignoramus. You are simply out of touch with the goings-on of international film festivals, especially those of the former Eastern Block countries where Syrian films have won more than their fair share of awards throughout the years.

Cinema became known in Syria in 1908 when people in Damascus had the opportunity to watch some cartoons in some of the traditional coffeehouses. The show moved to Aleppo in 1912. Continue reading “Syriarama: A brief history of the Syrian Film Industry”

Going underground

By Richard Woffenden

Ammar Abdulhamid’s debut novel creates an image of a Syrian underworld

Set in contemporary Damascus, Ammar Abdulhamid’s debut novel is going to upset people. Its title, Menstruation, leaves readers in no doubt that Abdulhamid is not about to pull any punches when it comes to taboo subjects. Clearly a reaction to repression in itself, the novel looks at the effect of conservative values on society, particularly the young. Continue reading “Going underground”