Syrian Cinema Days @ Bozar

Cinema might not seem to be a priority at a time when the Middle East is in turmoil. But that would be to underestimate the power of the medium. Dissident film-makers been making use of film for many a year in order to question the propaganda issued by the regime, which keeps a close eye on official film production; the success denied to those dissidents back home came their way at festivals abroad. Since the beginnings of the civil war in the spring of 2011, moreover, there has been a veritable explosion of cinematic creativity. Using compact cameras, smartphones, and channels such as YouTube and Facebook, young activists and bloggers have made the medium a weapon in their guerrilla war. The world can no longer claim not to have known, as, thanks to live streaming, people can follow the revolution live in their own living rooms. Over three days we will set out to explore all this via classic Syrian films, brand new productions, and discussions. There will be a spotlight on Omar Amiralay, the father of critical documentary in Syria, with a screening of his A Flood in Baath Country (2003) and a talk. The film-makers Osama Mohammad and Hala Alabdalla will look at the state of Syrian film today. Straight from Syria and bang up to date, we present a series of short video films, ranging from animation to reportage. On Sunday morning there will be a discussion with specialists from the region such as Mohammad Ali Atassi, Ziad Majed, and Amer Matar. This will be followed in the evening by a concert by the singer Noma Omran, one of today's finest interpreters of Syrian maqam. On Monday CINEMATEK will round off the (long) weekend with films by Omar Amiralay and Osama Mohammad.