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” →

Syria 2000: a reform to end all reforms

This article was commissioned and published by Impressions, the inflight magazine distributed by British Airways.

What’s in store for Syria, now that Dr Bashar al-Asad is at the helm? What will it mean for the country’s economy, the banking sector and for potential outside investors? How will it open up in terms of information and the Internet? Ammar Abdulhamid examines the evidence. Continue reading “Syria 2000: a reform to end all reforms” →