The inaugural moment of Syrian cinema is said to be the release of '' Al-Mutaham al-Bari'' (''The Innocent Suspect'') in 1928. Actors from neighboring countries, as well as France, have influenced the Syrian film industry.
History
Beginnings
In 1908 Syria experienced its cinematic awakening when the first film was screened at a café in
Aleppo
Aleppo is a city in Syria, which serves as the capital of the Aleppo Governorate, the most populous Governorates of Syria, governorate of Syria. With an estimated population of 2,098,000 residents it is Syria's largest city by urban area, and ...
. Eight years later, the Ottoman administration established the first film theater in
Damascus
Damascus ( , ; ) is the capital and List of largest cities in the Levant region by population, largest city of Syria. It is the oldest capital in the world and, according to some, the fourth Holiest sites in Islam, holiest city in Islam. Kno ...
, which was called
Çanakkale
Çanakkale is a city and seaport in Turkey on the southern shore of the Dardanelles at their narrowest point. It is the seat of Çanakkale Province and Çanakkale District.Jamal Pasha. Unfortunately, the theater faced a swift demise as it was burned down a month later. This period coincided with the French Mandate over Syria, leading to the subsequent construction of numerous theaters in Damascus.
The inception of Syrian filmmaking occurred in 1928 with the release of '' Al-Mutaham al-Bari'' (''The Innocent Suspect''), a silent black-and-white feature directed, written, and produced by Rasheed Jalal in collaboration with Ahmed Tello. This groundbreaking venture marked not only the debut of Syrian cinema but also the establishment of the first Syrian production company, Hermon Film. Despite this initial success, Syrian cinema faced challenges. In 1934, the release of the second silent black-and-white film, '' Tahta Sama' Dimashq'' (''Under the Damascus Sky''), coincided with the Egyptian talkie '' Unshudat al Fuad'' (''Hymn of the Heart''). Regrettably, the Syrian film struggled commercially, overshadowed by the success of its Egyptian counterpart.
The cinematic landscape in Syria continued to evolve. In 1943, the grand Cinema Dimashq, boasting 1,500 seats and ranking among the largest movie theaters in the Eastern Mediterranean, opened its doors in Damascus. This architectural marvel further reflected the growing influence of cinema in Syrian culture. A pivotal moment arrived in 1947 when Nazih Shabandar established a production studio equipped with his own inventions. The subsequent year witnessed the production of the first Syrian talkie, '' Nur wa Thalam'' (''Light and Darkness''), a significant milestone featuring emerging Syrian stars Rafiq Shukri, Yevett Feghli, and Anwar el Baba.
1900s
In 1908 a group of foreigners from
Turkey
Turkey, officially the Republic of Türkiye, is a country mainly located in Anatolia in West Asia, with a relatively small part called East Thrace in Southeast Europe. It borders the Black Sea to the north; Georgia (country), Georgia, Armen ...
arrived in
Aleppo
Aleppo is a city in Syria, which serves as the capital of the Aleppo Governorate, the most populous Governorates of Syria, governorate of Syria. With an estimated population of 2,098,000 residents it is Syria's largest city by urban area, and ...
, northern Syria, introducing what would be recognized as the country's inaugural cinematic show. This pioneering display of strange moving pictures left the local audience astounded, as the images seemingly came to life on screens, creating a novel and captivating experience.
Subsequently, in
Damascus
Damascus ( , ; ) is the capital and List of largest cities in the Levant region by population, largest city of Syria. It is the oldest capital in the world and, according to some, the fourth Holiest sites in Islam, holiest city in Islam. Kno ...
, café owners sought to inject new vitality into their establishments. This initiative arose in response to the waning popularity of traditional storytellers, whose narratives had grown repetitive. The introduction of viewing boxes displaying a limited number of pictures primarily appealing to children prompted a shift in interest towards a more contemporary form of artistic expression. This marked the emergence of a burgeoning cinematic culture in Syria, as cafés became venues for the presentation of modern art that met the evolving preferences of a diverse audience. This early chapter in Syrian cinema set the stage for its subsequent development and cultural significance.
1910s
In 1912, responding to the growing interest in cinema, the owner of a café situated in Damascus's prominent
Marjeh Square
Marjeh Square (), also known as "Martyrs' Square" ( ''sāḥat ash-Shuhadā’''), is a square in central Damascus, Syria, just outside the walls of the old city. The Syrian Interior Ministry has its headquarters in the square.
History
The square ...
, named "Habib Al-Shammas," pioneered the exhibition of moving pictures using a manual machine and acetylene gas-generated lamp illumination. This marked the inception of cinematic presentations in
Damascus
Damascus ( , ; ) is the capital and List of largest cities in the Levant region by population, largest city of Syria. It is the oldest capital in the world and, according to some, the fourth Holiest sites in Islam, holiest city in Islam. Kno ...
, with Habib Al-Shammas at the forefront of this innovative cultural endeavor.
As cinema evolved globally, nations recognized its potential as a medium for propaganda and the demonstration of military prowess. In 1916 Jamal Pasha, the Ottoman ruler of Syria known as "Al-Saffah," established the first cinema hall in Damascus on Salihiya Street. Named
Çanakkale
Çanakkale is a city and seaport in Turkey on the southern shore of the Dardanelles at their narrowest point. It is the seat of Çanakkale Province and Çanakkale District.Berlin
Berlin ( ; ) is the Capital of Germany, capital and largest city of Germany, by both area and List of cities in Germany by population, population. With 3.7 million inhabitants, it has the List of cities in the European Union by population withi ...
. Despite its popularity, Çanakkale, like many others, succumbed to fire due to limited resources and experience.
Following the destruction of Çanakkale, a
Greek
Greek may refer to:
Anything of, from, or related to Greece, a country in Southern Europe:
*Greeks, an ethnic group
*Greek language, a branch of the Indo-European language family
**Proto-Greek language, the assumed last common ancestor of all kno ...
man named "Salo," who had worked at the burnt venue, proposed the establishment of a new cinema hall to a café owner in
Marjeh Square
Marjeh Square (), also known as "Martyrs' Square" ( ''sāḥat ash-Shuhadā’''), is a square in central Damascus, Syria, just outside the walls of the old city. The Syrian Interior Ministry has its headquarters in the square.
History
The square ...
. Recognizing the burgeoning public demand, the café owner embraced the idea, marking the inception of "The Rose of Damascus" cinema hall. Initially featuring French police and comedy films, the hall's success prompted further investment in the sector.
This collaboration led to the proliferation of cinema halls in Damascus, with subsequent establishments capitalizing on the lucrative industry. The film repertoire expanded to include American cowboy films and narratives about Mexican gangs. With the French occupation of Damascus, the cinematic landscape underwent a transformation, gradually replacing cowboy films with French productions. The trend extended to
Aleppo
Aleppo is a city in Syria, which serves as the capital of the Aleppo Governorate, the most populous Governorates of Syria, governorate of Syria. With an estimated population of 2,098,000 residents it is Syria's largest city by urban area, and ...
and other Syrian provinces, aligning with the cinematic developments in the capital city.
1920s
Inspired by the cinematic experiences they witnessed in local halls, a group of amateurs, including Ayoub Badri, Ahmed Tello, and Muhammad Al-Muradi, envisioned producing Syrian cinematic films. In 1928, lacking experience and technical knowledge, they collaborated with photographer Rashid Jalal to form the Hermon Film company and embark on the production of Syria's first film, '' Al-Mutaham al-Bari''.
Using a small cinematography device imported from Germany, the filmmakers navigated the challenges of their amateur status, with Jalal handling cinematography and script development while they assumed acting roles. The film, shot on an 800-meter tape over eight months, drew inspiration from real incidents during King Faisal's reign, portraying a gang of thieves causing havoc in
Damascus
Damascus ( , ; ) is the capital and List of largest cities in the Levant region by population, largest city of Syria. It is the oldest capital in the world and, according to some, the fourth Holiest sites in Islam, holiest city in Islam. Kno ...
. The storyline underwent modifications to include a female character, played by a Damascene girl.
Upon completion, efforts to showcase the film faced a setback when French authorities refused a license due to the inclusion of a Muslim actress, citing concerns from clerics about potential public unrest. In response, the filmmakers replaced the actress with a German dancer, re-filming her scenes.
1930s
Mustafa Hilal was Syria's first professional actor. Internal conflicts led to the dissolution of groundbreaking film company Hermon Film, despite the success of their debut film, '' Al-Mutaham al-Bari''. Responding to the burgeoning film industry, Rashid Jalal and Ismail Anzour parted ways to establish the Helios Film company in 1931. Collaborating with other investors, their effort aimed to produce '' Under the Damascus Sky'' in 1933, involving an Italian photographer and foreign actors and dancers.
Originally planned as a silent film, the creators transitioned to sound cinema influenced by the success of the first Arabic-speaking film, ''Song of the Heart''. Technical constraints led to a silent exhibition, marking the end of silent cinema in
Syria
Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic, is a country in West Asia located in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Levant. It borders the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Turkey to Syria–Turkey border, the north, Iraq to Iraq–Syria border, t ...
.
Complications persisted as French authorities banned ''Under the Damascus Sky'', directed by Ismail Anzour who studied filmmaking in
Vienna
Vienna ( ; ; ) is the capital city, capital, List of largest cities in Austria, most populous city, and one of Federal states of Austria, nine federal states of Austria. It is Austria's primate city, with just over two million inhabitants. ...
and returned to Syria to work on Syria's second film. The film faced challenges for its boldness and copyright infringement of its musical score. Despite interventions, the film encountered significant financial setbacks.
Their subsequent film, ''Under the Damascus Sky'' (1933), struggled commercially, overshadowed by the success of the Egyptian '' Musical Hymn of the Heart''. Faced with additional adversity from French authorities, Syrian filmmakers, including Ismail Anzour, explored opportunities in
Cairo
Cairo ( ; , ) is the Capital city, capital and largest city of Egypt and the Cairo Governorate, being home to more than 10 million people. It is also part of the List of urban agglomerations in Africa, largest urban agglomeration in Africa, L ...
.
1940s
In the 1940s many Syrian films addressed the Palestinian Cause, though unfortunately, a comprehensive archive of early Syrian cinema from this period is lacking. Surviving films from the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s represent only a small fraction of the production. The primary means of uncovering films from this era is through printed archives, particularly books dedicated to archiving and reviewing cinema.
One noteworthy film from this time is ''Nedaa al-Wajeb'' (1937), directed by Ayoub al-Badri. This film is the first in Syrian cinema to explicitly mention the Palestinian Cause, addressing the Arab Revolt in Palestine against British occupation. Al-Badri, who also directed the first Syrian film in 1928, ''al-Muttaham al-Baree'', was associated with Harmon Film, the pioneering cinema collective in Syria formed by enthusiasts who later became professionals.
While references to Syrian and Arab cinema in the 1940s often overlook films related to the Palestinian cause, there are notable exceptions. One such film is ''al-Jaysh al-Souri fel Maydan'' (1949), produced by Ahmed Irfan. This work focuses on the Syrian army's role in the 1948 war, exemplifying a thematic emphasis on the Palestinian Cause during that decade.
Asmahan and
Farid Al-Atrash
Farid al-Atrash (; October 19, 1910 – December 26, 1974), also spelled Farid El-Atrache, was a Syrian-Egyptian singer, oudist, composer, and actor. Although born in Syria, he immigrated to Egypt at the age of nine with his mother and siblings, ...
were renowned singers who also ventured into the realm of cinema, showcasing their talents in movies across
Egypt
Egypt ( , ), officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a country spanning the Northeast Africa, northeast corner of Africa and Western Asia, southwest corner of Asia via the Sinai Peninsula. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to northe ...
and
Syria
Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic, is a country in West Asia located in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Levant. It borders the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Turkey to Syria–Turkey border, the north, Iraq to Iraq–Syria border, t ...
. Later on, Farid Al-Atrash extended his cinematic contributions to include Lebanese films.
1950s
During the 1950s there was a notable improvement in film production, characterized by a growing professionalism and the emergence of talented actors and actresses. The cast of the Syrian-Lebanese film, including notable figures like Anwar el-Baba (uncle of
Soad Hosny
Soad Mohammad Kamal Hosny (, ; 26 January 1943 – 21 June 2001) was an Egyptian actress. She was known as the "Cinderella of the Screen" and one of the most influential actresses in the Middle East and the Arab world. She is generally regarded a ...
), Rafiq Shukri, and Yvette Feghali, became prominent names in the film industry, contributing to its rising success. Local film production gained momentum in the mid-1950s, witnessing the development of the cinematic industry in Aleppo. In 1950
Aleppo
Aleppo is a city in Syria, which serves as the capital of the Aleppo Governorate, the most populous Governorates of Syria, governorate of Syria. With an estimated population of 2,098,000 residents it is Syria's largest city by urban area, and ...
established the company Irfan and Jaliq, which produced the film ''Passer''.
During this period numerous Syrian actors and actresses relocated to
Egypt
Egypt ( , ), officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a country spanning the Northeast Africa, northeast corner of Africa and Western Asia, southwest corner of Asia via the Sinai Peninsula. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to northe ...
in pursuit of career advancement, unaware that their migration would eventually result in a reciprocal exchange. Unforeseen at the time, the trend saw the return of not only Syrian talents but also Egyptian actors and actresses, marking a notable cross-cultural exchange that influenced the entertainment industry in both nations. Hala Shawkat was a rising star in Egypt.
''Sirocco'' was filmed in Syria, starring
Humphrey Bogart
Humphrey DeForest Bogart ( ; December 25, 1899 – January 14, 1957), nicknamed Bogie, was an American actor. His performances in classic Hollywood cinema made him an American cultural icon. In 1999, the American Film Institute selected Bogart ...
and
Märta Torén
Märta Torén (21 May 1925 – 19 February 1957) was a Swedish stage and film actress of the 1940s and 1950s.
Biography
Torén's father was a Swedish military officer, and for three years, during World War II, he was a secretary in the Swedish ...
.
1960s
In the 1960s, the Syrian film industry underwent significant improvements, catalyzed by the success of comedic duo
Duraid Lahham
Duraid Lahham (; in Roman transliteration, sometimes spelled "Durayd Lahham") is a leading Syrian comedian and director born 1934 in Damascus, Syria to a Syrian father and a Lebanese mother. He is famous for acting the role of "Ghawwar El Tosh ...
and Nuhad al-Qala‘i. Their lucrative film series, commencing with Aqd al-Lulu (Necklace of Pearls) in 1964, propelled the industry forward, allowing for the production of two films annually. This era marked a pivotal shift, coinciding with the establishment of the General Organization for Cinema in 1963, operating under the Ministry of Culture. In the aftermath of the Six-Day War and Syria's loss of the Golan Heights, the organization acquired a strict monopoly over film production and distribution, reshaping the industry landscape.
Despite facing challenges in distribution and fluctuating profits, the industry gained recognition through the comedic contributions of Lahham and al-Qala‘i.
In 1963, in conjunction with the Ba'athist takeover of Syria, the establishment of the National Film Organization sought to foster a distinct national identity for Syrian films. This initiative not only brought back Syrian talents from Cairo but also fostered collaboration with other Arabic states, contributing to industry growth. Additionally, Syrian filmmakers began incorporating
Egyptian
''Egyptian'' describes something of, from, or related to Egypt.
Egyptian or Egyptians may refer to:
Nations and ethnic groups
* Egyptians, a national group in North Africa
** Egyptian culture, a complex and stable culture with thousands of year ...
and Lebanese actors, diversifying the talent pool and enriching cinematic narratives.
Zuhair Shawa, an emerging artist in Damascus, played a pivotal role by completing the first Syrian film, ''The Green Valley'', entirely within the country in 1963. He attempted a film on Palestine called ''Behind the Borders'' in 1963, and later directed ''The Devil’s Game'' in 1966.
The unity established between Syria and Egypt in 1960 led to the creation of the Department of Cinema and Photography, headed by Salah Dahni. Known for his film criticism, Dahni organized the first Arab film festival in 1956 during his tenure at the Damascus International Fair.
Moreover, the Syrian film industry began to incorporate foreign influences, with filmmakers integrating French icons and engaging in productions with
Yugoslavia
, common_name = Yugoslavia
, life_span = 1918–19921941–1945: World War II in Yugoslavia#Axis invasion and dismemberment of Yugoslavia, Axis occupation
, p1 = Kingdom of SerbiaSerbia
, flag_p ...
n and Italian collaborations. This strategic approach contributed to the industry's global appeal and furthered its artistic diversity during this transformative period in the 1960s.
''Medea'' was also filmed in Syria, in the Aleppo Citadel the oldest castle in the world, starring
Maria Callas
Maria Callas (born Maria Anna Cecilia Sophia Kalogeropoulos; December 2, 1923 – September 16, 1977) was an American-born Greek soprano and one of the most renowned and influential opera singers of the 20th century. Many critics praised ...
.
1970s
The 1970s marked a golden age for Syrian cinema, the 1970s represented a flourishing period for Syrian cinema, characterized by the ascent of Syrian actors and actresses. Amidst heightened guerrilla actions, cinematic narratives evolved to address pressing societal and political issues. Notable films such as '' Men Under the Sun'' (1970), centered on the Palestinian issue and resistance, and ''
The Knife
The Knife were a Swedish electronic music duo from Gothenburg, formed in 1999. The group consisted of siblings Karin and Olof Dreijer, who together also run their own record company, Rabid Records. They gained a large international following i ...
'' (1971) and '' The Deceived'' (1973), both inspired by Ghassan Kanafani's stories, contributed to the cultural landscape.
However, this era also witnessed a turning point with the production of ''
The Leopard
''The Leopard'' ( ) is a novel by Italian writer Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, which chronicles the changes in Sicilian life and society during the ''Risorgimento''. Published posthumously in 1958 by Feltrinelli, after two rejections by the ...
'' (1972), based on Haider Haider's story. Despite its exploration of the farmer-feudal lord relationship, the film faced severe criticism for some seductive scenes, marking a notable shift in Syrian cinema.
Filmmaker Mohamed Shaheen explored societal issues and romantic relationships in '' Another Face of Love'' (1973), aiming to depict daily life artistically. Notable films of this era which includes collaborations of
Salah Zulfikar
Salah El-Din Ahmed Mourad Zulfikar (, ; 18 January 1926 – 22 December 1993) was an Egyptian actor and film producer. He started his career as a Egyptian National Police, police officer, before becoming an actor in 1956. He is regarded as one o ...
Nelly
Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. (born November 2, 1974), better known by his stage name Nelly, is an American rapper, singer, and actor. He grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and embarked on his musical career in 1993 as a member of the Midwest hip hop g ...
,
Mariam Fakhr Eddine
Mariam Mohamed Fakhr Eddine (, 8 September 1933 – 3 November 2014) was an Egyptian film and television actress, and was the second wife of prominent filmmaker Mahmoud Zulfikar (1914 – 1970). She was nicknamed the "Belle of the Screen" (). Be ...
,
Muna Wassef
Muna Wassef (also spelled Mona Wasef) (; born 9 February 1942) is a Syrian 1/2Kurdish/ 1/2 Christian Valley stage, film and television actress. She is also a United Nations Goodwill ambassador. She is an icon in the Arab world and the Middle E ...
Ighraa
Ighraa (Arabic: إغراء), also is known as Igraa, (January 19, 1945) is a Syrian actress and belly dancer who reached her fame mostly in Syrian cinema of the 1970s.
Born Nihad Alaeddin (Arabic: نهاد علاء الدين), she left her nat ...
Duraid Lahham
Duraid Lahham (; in Roman transliteration, sometimes spelled "Durayd Lahham") is a leading Syrian comedian and director born 1934 in Damascus, Syria to a Syrian father and a Lebanese mother. He is famous for acting the role of "Ghawwar El Tosh ...
and Nihad Qali. Syrian-Egyptian film '' Nisaa Lil Shitaa'' starring Syrian actor Rafiq Sibayi came out in 1974. ''The Message'' filmed some parts in Syria, also starring Syrian actress
Muna Wassef
Muna Wassef (also spelled Mona Wasef) (; born 9 February 1942) is a Syrian 1/2Kurdish/ 1/2 Christian Valley stage, film and television actress. She is also a United Nations Goodwill ambassador. She is an icon in the Arab world and the Middle E ...
, with Syrian director
Moustapha Akkad
Moustapha al Akkad (; July 1, 1930 – November 11, 2005) was a Syrian Americans, Syrian-American film producer and Film director, director, best known for producing the original series of ''Halloween (franchise), Halloween'' films and dire ...
.
The 1970s also witnessed the rise of Syrian actresses, including
Ighraa
Ighraa (Arabic: إغراء), also is known as Igraa, (January 19, 1945) is a Syrian actress and belly dancer who reached her fame mostly in Syrian cinema of the 1970s.
Born Nihad Alaeddin (Arabic: نهاد علاء الدين), she left her nat ...
who notably became the first actress to appear nude in the Middle East. Syrian cinema achieved continued success with films like ''The Leopard'' (1972) and ''Dancer on the Wounds'' (1974), starring the acclaimed duo
Duraid Lahham
Duraid Lahham (; in Roman transliteration, sometimes spelled "Durayd Lahham") is a leading Syrian comedian and director born 1934 in Damascus, Syria to a Syrian father and a Lebanese mother. He is famous for acting the role of "Ghawwar El Tosh ...
and Nuhad al-Qala'i.
Noteworthy collaborations included Egyptian actress
Nelly
Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. (born November 2, 1974), better known by his stage name Nelly, is an American rapper, singer, and actor. He grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and embarked on his musical career in 1993 as a member of the Midwest hip hop g ...
Duraid Lahham
Duraid Lahham (; in Roman transliteration, sometimes spelled "Durayd Lahham") is a leading Syrian comedian and director born 1934 in Damascus, Syria to a Syrian father and a Lebanese mother. He is famous for acting the role of "Ghawwar El Tosh ...
and Karim Abu Shakra. ''The Sinners'' produced by the Damascus Cinema Company in 1975. The same story of the movie was re-presented by Adel Imam in Egyptian cinema in 1980 in a movie titled ''Hell''.
The decade also featured various films and actors, including Ziad Mawlawi, Samira Tawfiq, Mahmoud Saeed,
Duraid Lahham
Duraid Lahham (; in Roman transliteration, sometimes spelled "Durayd Lahham") is a leading Syrian comedian and director born 1934 in Damascus, Syria to a Syrian father and a Lebanese mother. He is famous for acting the role of "Ghawwar El Tosh ...
, Nihad Qalai, and others, contributing to the diversity and success of Syrian cinema during its golden age in the 1970s.
1980s
In 1981, the cinematic landscape welcomed the release of '' Banat Al Karate'' featuring the talented Syrian actress
Ighraa
Ighraa (Arabic: إغراء), also is known as Igraa, (January 19, 1945) is a Syrian actress and belly dancer who reached her fame mostly in Syrian cinema of the 1970s.
Born Nihad Alaeddin (Arabic: نهاد علاء الدين), she left her nat ...
. The subsequent year, 1982, witnessed the debut of ''Al-Hudood'', a film starring
Duraid Lahham
Duraid Lahham (; in Roman transliteration, sometimes spelled "Durayd Lahham") is a leading Syrian comedian and director born 1934 in Damascus, Syria to a Syrian father and a Lebanese mother. He is famous for acting the role of "Ghawwar El Tosh ...
, Rashid Assaf, and Raghda. The plot unfolds as a traveler loses his passport between two countries, leaving him stranded in a neutral zone, compelling him to devise a strategy for crossing into the next country or finding a way back home.
The year 1984 marked the release of '' Dreams of the City'', a film featuring Ayman Zeidan. Moving forward to 1987, a Soviet-Syrian collaboration resulted in the creation of '' The Last Night of Scheherazade'', a children's fantasy film directed by Takhir Sabirov. Inspired by "One Thousand and One Nights", this film concluded a trilogy that included "New Tales of Scheherazade" and "And Another Night of Scheherazade."
In the same year, the Syrian documentary film '' The Dream'' emerged, directed by Mohammad Malas. Comprising a series of interviews with
Palestinian refugees
Palestinian refugees are citizens of Mandatory Palestine, and their descendants, who fled or were expelled from their country, village or house over the course of the 1948 Palestine war and during the 1967 Six-Day War. Most Palestinian refug ...
in
Lebanon
Lebanon, officially the Republic of Lebanon, is a country in the Levant region of West Asia. Situated at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Basin and the Arabian Peninsula, it is bordered by Syria to the north and east, Israel to the south ...
during the civil war, the film explores the dreams these refugees experienced while asleep, providing a poignant perspective on their lives and aspirations.
1990s
During the 1990s, a pivotal era preceding the golden age of Syrian cinema, '' Maraya'' emerged as one of the decade's standout successes, achieving the status of a classic. Notably, ''The Night'', a 1992 film set in
Quneitra
Quneitra (also Al Qunaytirah, Qunaitira, or Kuneitra; , ''al-Qunayṭrah'' or ''al-Qunayṭirah'' ) is the largely destroyed and abandoned capital of the Quneitra Governorate in south-western Syria. It is situated in a high valley in the Golan ...
and centered around the
Arab-Israeli conflict
The Arab citizens of Israel form the country's largest ethnic minority. Their community mainly consists of former Mandatory Palestine citizens (and their descendants) who continued to inhabit the territory that was acknowledged as Israeli by ...
, played a significant role in shaping the cinematic landscape. In 1993, it made history as the first Syrian feature to be showcased at the prestigious
New York Film Festival
The New York Film Festival (NYFF) is a film festival held every fall in New York City, presented by Film at Lincoln Center. Founded in 1963 by Richard Roud and Amos Vogel with the support of Lincoln Center president William Schuman, NYFF i ...
Sabah Jazairi
Sabah Jazairi () is a veteran Syrian actress who has appeared in numerous drama and television series, comedy shorts, and theatrical plays, including "Al Ababid", "Aa'id ila Haifa" (Returning to Haifa) and Bab Al-Hara (The Alley's Gate). Nicknam ...
.
Another notable contribution to Syrian cinema during this period was ''
Al-Kompars
''Al-Kompars'' () (International title: ''The Extras'') is a Syrian feature film by director Nabil Maleh. It features Bassam Kousa and Samar Sami.
External links
*
1993 films
1990s Arabic-language films
Films directed by Nabil Maleh
Syrian ...
'', directed by
Nabil Maleh
Nabil Maleh (September 28, 1936 – February 24, 2016) was a Syrian film director, screenwriter, producer, painter and poet; he is thought to be a father of Syrian cinema.
Nabil has published more than 1,000 articles short stories, essays and poem ...
and featuring the talents of
Bassam Kousa
Bassam Kousa (; born 7 November 1954) is a Syrian
Syrians () are the majority inhabitants of Syria, indigenous to the Levant, most of whom have Arabic, especially its Levantine and Mesopotamian dialects, as a mother tongue. The cultural an ...
Omar Amiralay
Omar Amiralay (; 20 October 1944 – 5 February 2011) was a Syrian documentary film director and civil society activist. He is noted for the political criticism in his films, and played a prominent role in the events of the Damascus Spring of 2 ...
, served as an elegy to the sociologist Michel Seurat. Seurat met a tragic end after being abducted by Islamic Jihad, a precursor to
Hezbollah
Hezbollah ( ; , , ) is a Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and paramilitary group. Hezbollah's paramilitary wing is the Jihad Council, and its political wing is the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc party in the Lebanese Parliament. I ...
, in
Lebanon
Lebanon, officially the Republic of Lebanon, is a country in the Levant region of West Asia. Situated at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Basin and the Arabian Peninsula, it is bordered by Syria to the north and east, Israel to the south ...
in 1985. This documentary shed light on his life and the circumstances surrounding his untimely death.
Furthermore, ''
There Are So Many Things Still to Say
There may refer to:
* ''There'' (film), a 2009 Turkish film (Turkish title: ''Orada'')
* ''There'' (virtual world)
*''there'', a deictic adverb in English
*''there'', an English pronoun used in phrases such as ''there is
English grammar is the se ...
'', another documentary by director
Omar Amiralay
Omar Amiralay (; 20 October 1944 – 5 February 2011) was a Syrian documentary film director and civil society activist. He is noted for the political criticism in his films, and played a prominent role in the events of the Damascus Spring of 2 ...
, took inspiration from an interview with the influential Syrian playwright
Saadallah Wannous
Saadallah Wannous () (1941 – 15 May 1997) was a Syrian playwright, writer and editor on Arabic theater. He was born in the village of Hussein al-Bahr, near Tartous, where he received his early education. He studied journalism in Cairo, Egypt an ...
. The film, crafted a few months before Wannous died from cancer, provides a compelling exploration of his thoughts and reflections. These cinematic endeavors during the 1990s laid the groundwork for the subsequent flourishing of Syrian cinema in its golden age.
2000s
The 2000s, unfolded as the golden age of Syrian cinema, marked by influential releases like ''
Bab al-Hara
''Bab Al-Hara'' (; "The Neighbourhood's Gate") is one of the most popular television series in the Arab world, reportedly watched by millions of people in the Arab world. The series chronicles the daily happenings and family dramas in a neighbor ...
'', '' Bokaat Daw'', and the notable rise of Syrian actors, including
Sulaf Fawakherji
Sulaf Fawakherji () (born 27 July 1977) is a Syrian people, Syrian film, TV actress and director.
Career
She has played many roles on Syrian soap operas. Fawakherji studied art and sculpture at Adham Ismail Fine Arts Institute before starring on ...
,
Sulafa Memar
Sulafa Refaat Memar () is a Syrian actress. She began her career in 1994 and studied at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Damascus. She performs in TV and cinema and won Best Arab actress award in Oran Arab Film Festival for her role in ...
Dima Kandalaft
Dima Kandalaft (; born 3 January 1979 in Damascus) is a Syrian actress and singer.
Biography
Kandalaft was born in Damascus to a doctor Syrian father and a Lebanese mother from Marjayoun.
She graduated with a degree of economics from Damascus Un ...
, and Amal Arfa.
In 2006, '' Ala Tool al-Ayam'' brought together a constellation of eminent Syrian actors, such as
Sulaf Fawakherji
Sulaf Fawakherji () (born 27 July 1977) is a Syrian people, Syrian film, TV actress and director.
Career
She has played many roles on Syrian soap operas. Fawakherji studied art and sculpture at Adham Ismail Fine Arts Institute before starring on ...
Maxim Khalil
Maxim Hani Khalil (; born on 7 November 1978 in Homs) is a Syrian actor.
Career
After he finished high school, he began as ballet dancer. In 1998, he worked as an assistant director for two years and was at this stage performing small roles. S ...
. This convergence of talent contributed to Syria's top ranking in the Middle East, largely attributed to the resounding success of ''Bab al-Hara'', a classic series that garnered immense popularity, particularly during the sacred month of
Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (''Fasting in Islam, sawm''), communal prayer (salah), reflection, and community. It is also the month in which the Quran is believed ...
. The show not only earned praise for its compelling narratives but also for the captivating performances and aesthetic appeal of actresses, notably
Sulaf Fawakherji
Sulaf Fawakherji () (born 27 July 1977) is a Syrian people, Syrian film, TV actress and director.
Career
She has played many roles on Syrian soap operas. Fawakherji studied art and sculpture at Adham Ismail Fine Arts Institute before starring on ...
and
Sulafa Memar
Sulafa Refaat Memar () is a Syrian actress. She began her career in 1994 and studied at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Damascus. She performs in TV and cinema and won Best Arab actress award in Oran Arab Film Festival for her role in ...
, recognized as among the most beautiful in the industry.
The year 2008 introduced '' Dayaa Dayaa'', featuring Bassem Yakhour and Nidal Sigri, adding to the cinematic richness of the era. The release of '' Sabaya'' in 2009 marked another significant milestone, captivating audiences with its compelling storytelling. This period showcased Syria's cinematic prowess, solidifying its position as a powerhouse in the Middle Eastern entertainment landscape.
2010s
The early years of the 2010s mirrored the preceding decade, with Syrian television continuing its momentum. However, as the Syrian Civil War commenced, this period witnessed a significant disruption in the production of numerous shows. The conflict, which began in 2011, had a profound impact on the entertainment industry, leading to the cessation of several television programs.
By 2015, the landscape of Syrian television underwent a notable shift, exemplified by shows like '' Bokaat Daw'', which approached the Syrian Civil War with a unique perspective, employing humor to address the challenging circumstances. While such productions did not make light of the gravity of the conflict and its consequences, they often depicted the societal challenges and transformations resulting from the war. Notably, some shows creatively addressed the shortage of male actors due to military conscription, featuring storylines where women assumed traditionally male roles, and highlighting the impact of wartime circumstances on daily life. '' Senne Oula Zawaj'', released in 2017, emerged as a major success, showcasing the notable performances of Dana Jabr and Yazan Al Sayed.
The Syrian Civil War prompted a reduction in the overall production of television shows, with some continuing despite the challenges. Concurrently, the era saw an increase in the release of documentaries that delved into the various aspects and consequences of the conflict. This period became a time of reflection and adaptation for the Syrian entertainment industry, as it navigated the complexities and uncertainties brought about by the ongoing conflict.
2020s
The onset of the 2020s marked a positive resurgence for Syrian actors, as they found increased opportunities and recognition in the entertainment industry. Notably, numerous Lebanese television productions prominently featured Syrian actors during this period, contributing to a collaborative and cross-cultural exchange within the region.
Simultaneously, Syrian production companies experienced a revitalization, returning to business and actively engaging in the creation of new content. One notable production that exemplified this trend was '' Al-Khaen'', featuring the talents of
Sulafa Memar
Sulafa Refaat Memar () is a Syrian actress. She began her career in 1994 and studied at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Damascus. She performs in TV and cinema and won Best Arab actress award in Oran Arab Film Festival for her role in ...
, Qays Sheikh Najeeb, and Maram Ali it stands as the highest-viewed program in the Middle East during January.
Syrian actors and actresses found substantial roles in Lebanese shows, further enhancing their presence and influence in the broader Arab television landscape. For instance, the Lebanese series '' Lal Mot'' included performances by Syrian actors such as Mohmmad al-Ahmad, Khaled Al-Qish, and
Sabah Jazairi
Sabah Jazairi () is a veteran Syrian actress who has appeared in numerous drama and television series, comedy shorts, and theatrical plays, including "Al Ababid", "Aa'id ila Haifa" (Returning to Haifa) and Bab Al-Hara (The Alley's Gate). Nicknam ...
in its initial seasons. The third season of the show introduced new cast members, including Meyhar Khaddour and Yamen Hajali.
This collaborative and mutually beneficial exchange between Syrian and Lebanese television industries during the early years of the 2020s contributed to a dynamic and diverse television landscape in the region.
Orlando von Einsiedel
Orlando von EinsiedelPeople of Today 2017 / Lucy Hume (born in August 19, 1980) is a British film director, producer and co-founder of film production company Grain Media. He directs mostly documentary films that investigate global social issues, ...
The Damascus International Film Festival is a biennial film event held in November and organized by the Syrian government since 1979. The late Syrian film director Muhammad Shahin founded the festival, which occurs in alternating years with the Carthage Film Festival. Originally centered on films from Arab countries, Latin America, and Asia until 1999, the festival shifted its focus to international cinema in 2001.
Major award winners
Notable films
Notable figures
Directors
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Abdellatif Abdelhamid
Abdellatif Abdelhamid (, 5 January 1954 – 15 May 2024) was a Syrian film director. His films have earned numerous awards, beginning with the Damascus International Film Festival, the Carthage Film Festival, and Rabat International Film Festi ...
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Duraid Lahham
Duraid Lahham (; in Roman transliteration, sometimes spelled "Durayd Lahham") is a leading Syrian comedian and director born 1934 in Damascus, Syria to a Syrian father and a Lebanese mother. He is famous for acting the role of "Ghawwar El Tosh ...
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Ighraa
Ighraa (Arabic: إغراء), also is known as Igraa, (January 19, 1945) is a Syrian actress and belly dancer who reached her fame mostly in Syrian cinema of the 1970s.
Born Nihad Alaeddin (Arabic: نهاد علاء الدين), she left her nat ...
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Nabil Maleh
Nabil Maleh (September 28, 1936 – February 24, 2016) was a Syrian film director, screenwriter, producer, painter and poet; he is thought to be a father of Syrian cinema.
Nabil has published more than 1,000 articles short stories, essays and poem ...
Moustapha Akkad
Moustapha al Akkad (; July 1, 1930 – November 11, 2005) was a Syrian Americans, Syrian-American film producer and Film director, director, best known for producing the original series of ''Halloween (franchise), Halloween'' films and dire ...
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Muhammad Shahin
Muhammad (8 June 632 CE) was an Arab religious and political leader and the founder of Islam. Muhammad in Islam, According to Islam, he was a prophet who was divinely inspired to preach and confirm the tawhid, monotheistic teachings of A ...
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Omar Amiralay
Omar Amiralay (; 20 October 1944 – 5 February 2011) was a Syrian documentary film director and civil society activist. He is noted for the political criticism in his films, and played a prominent role in the events of the Damascus Spring of 2 ...
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Ossama Mohammed
Ossama Mohammed (; born 21 March 1954) is a Syrian film director and screenwriter. His film, ''The Box of Life'', was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival.
He is currently living in exile in Paris, where he ...
Anwar Wagdi
Anwar Wagdi (, ; 11 October 1904 – 14 May 1955), born Anwar Wagdi Yehia Elfattal, was an Egyptians, Egyptian actor, screenwriter, Film director, director and Film producer, producer.
Life
Anwar was born in the Cairo district of Daher, Egypt, ...
Duraid Lahham
Duraid Lahham (; in Roman transliteration, sometimes spelled "Durayd Lahham") is a leading Syrian comedian and director born 1934 in Damascus, Syria to a Syrian father and a Lebanese mother. He is famous for acting the role of "Ghawwar El Tosh ...
Farid al-Atrash
Farid al-Atrash (; October 19, 1910 – December 26, 1974), also spelled Farid El-Atrache, was a Syrian-Egyptian singer, oudist, composer, and actor. Although born in Syria, he immigrated to Egypt at the age of nine with his mother and siblings, ...
Ighraa
Ighraa (Arabic: إغراء), also is known as Igraa, (January 19, 1945) is a Syrian actress and belly dancer who reached her fame mostly in Syrian cinema of the 1970s.
Born Nihad Alaeddin (Arabic: نهاد علاء الدين), she left her nat ...
(1945-)
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Khaled Taja
Khaled Omar Taja (; November 6, 1939 – April 4, 2012) was a Syrian kurdish actor born in Rukneddine district in the city of Damascus. He appeared in several films including; '' Memory of a Night of Love'' (1973). Taja worked in over 62 differ ...
Muna Wassef
Muna Wassef (also spelled Mona Wasef) (; born 9 February 1942) is a Syrian 1/2Kurdish/ 1/2 Christian Valley stage, film and television actress. She is also a United Nations Goodwill ambassador. She is an icon in the Arab world and the Middle E ...
Nadia Arslan
Nadia Arslan (Arabic: نادية أرسلان), also romanised as Nadia Arsalan, was a Lebanese and Syrian actress who came to prominence in Egyptian films of the 1970s.
Born Hind Arslan (Arabic: هند أرسلان) to a Druze Syrian father and ...
Rafiq Subaie
Rafiq Subaie (; 9 February 1930 – 5 January 2017) was a Syrian actor, writer and director. He appeared in '' A Memory of a Night of Love'' (1973).
Career
Subaie was born in one of the oldest districts of old Damascus and as an actor con ...
(1930–2017)
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Sabah Jazairi
Sabah Jazairi () is a veteran Syrian actress who has appeared in numerous drama and television series, comedy shorts, and theatrical plays, including "Al Ababid", "Aa'id ila Haifa" (Returning to Haifa) and Bab Al-Hara (The Alley's Gate). Nicknam ...
Shams Al-Baroudi
Shams Elbaroudi ( October 4, 1945) is an Egyptian former actress who was active in Egyptian films during the 1960s and 1970s. Elbaroudi was described by Lisa Anderson of the ''Chicago Tribune'' as "one of the most beautiful and glamorous of Egyp ...
Arab cinema
Arab cinema or Arabic cinema () refers to the film industry of the Arab world. Most productions come from Egyptian cinema.
The first screening of a motion picture in Egypt occurred in Alexandria in 1896 by the French Lumière Brothers. The E ...
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Cinema of the world
Cinema may refer to:
Film
* Film or movie, a series of still images that create the illusion of moving image
** Film industry, the technological and commercial institutions of filmmaking
** Filmmaking, the process of making a film
* Movie theat ...
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Egyptian cinema
The Egyptian film industry is today based mainly in Cairo, which is sometimes referred to as Hollywood on the Nile, Hollywood of the Middle East or Hollywood of the East, despite having its beginnings in the city of Alexandria in the early 20t ...