Syrian cinema belongs to the lesser known film
traditions in the world; it has even occasionally been called „Syria’s best
kept secret”. However, since the beginning of the uprising in the country in
2011, more and more films by Syrian film makers are making their way into
international film events and festivals. While the new productions present a
notable change in Syrian cinematic practice, it also builds upon the work of
former generations of film makers.
The state had for many years a quasi-total monopoly on
film production in Syria. But with an average output of one to two feature
films per year (plus some shorts and documentaries), the production of the
National Film Organisation in Damascus remained quite modest. And yet, Syria
produced a number of remarkable auteur films, aesthetically intriguing and
politically surprisingly critical, a seeming paradox for a country firmly in
the hands of an authoritarian regime. As film makers were struggling to create
despite the rigorous censorship, every film produced in Syria can be seen as a
victory over censorship.
With the new millennium came an opening towards
independent film production, in part made possible by the facilitated access to
new digital media. Young, aspiring film makers began to produce films and
videos, often with a strong emphasis on documentaries and a search for a new
visual language. While censorship continued to be an issue, the new generation
strove to push the boundaries of what could be expressed and by doing so,
provided an important basis for the strong, outspoken language of more recent
production. Since the beginning of the Syrian uprising in March 2011, film
makers are faced with the necessity to speak out against the ongoing violence,
while struggling with increasingly precarious situations for artists and film
makers.
During the two days of the program, “The Things Left
to Say”, we would like to present a number of films by Syrian film makers,
ranging from examples of auteur cinema overthe independent productions from the
first decade of the millennium up till recent productions that reflect on the
ongoing conflict in the country.
