Syrian art enthusiasts enjoy new-found freedom in post-Assad era


Nada Maucourant Atallah
  • English
  • Arabic

The new Syria is a land of firsts: for the first time many Syrians are openly criticising the authorities, sharing stories of missing relatives and talking about foreign currency in public − all banned under former president Bashar Al Assad.

For creatives, it is their first taste of artistic freedom after years of repression.

Last week, a young and artsy crowd gathered at the Zawaya Art Gallery in Damascus for the first screening in Syria of Stars in Broad Daylight, an iconic 1988 movie by Ossama Mohammed that was banned decades ago by the Assad regime and Baath Party.

The event was organised by the Damascus Film Salon, a new cultural initiative, and was followed by a debate with the director, who has lived in exile for more than 10 years.

“The screening of Ossama Mohammed’s film now is a dream come true,” said Haya Hasani, a young artist at the event. “It symbolises the end of Assad’s Syria and the beginning of a new Syria − the Syria of the people.”

The multi-award-winning film tells the story of two families preparing for a double wedding in a coastal Alawite village – the sect to which the Assad family belongs. The protagonist is a metaphor for Hafez Al Assad, father of Bashar Al Assad and his predecessor as Syrian leader.

The movie character is a patriarchal figure whose authoritarian tendencies lead to the disintegration of his family.

“The reason for organising the salon is to celebrate the end of 46 years of censorship, which began with Hafez,” said George Achkar, one of the organisers. “People are thirsty for real cinema rather than propaganda. The stupid censorship was limiting filmmakers' creativity.”

The packed venue for Stars in Broad Daylight was filled with enthusiastic faces embracing their new-found freedoms, which have blossomed since rebels overthrew more than 50 years of Assad family rule in a lightning offensive last month.

Damascus has long been a cultural hub, with galleries, salons and exhibitions, but these were all tightly controlled in the past, especially for content remotely political.

A mural on a building in Idlib, north-west Syria, showing solidarity with Ukraine in its war with Russia. EPA
A mural on a building in Idlib, north-west Syria, showing solidarity with Ukraine in its war with Russia. EPA

“If you wanted to get permission to organise cultural events the official way, it was very complicated. You had to know people,” Ms Hasani told The National.

Bypassing official procedures was a risky business. “Doing something outside the Baathist institutions carried the risk of being reported to the security branches,” said Ms Hasani, who was denounced for staging an independent cultural event that was outside the oversight of intelligence services.

“Many informants were within our ranks,” she added.

Red lines

Under Bashar Al Assad, censorship infiltrated every aspect of the creative process. Said Al Hanawi, a playwright, told The National that before they could put on a show, artists needed approval from a “committee of readers” that dictated red lines and imposed amendments.

“But that was not enough. Then there was a second committee in front of which we performed, and which was studying every movement − the music, the lyrics, the acting … And then they would give us the final approval. But it was conditional: there couldn’t be a single sentence outside of the approved text, or they would stop the performance immediately.”

Members of the intelligence services were often present at theatrical shows to ensure compliance, he added. “There were forbidden topics − anything related to politics was off limits, but we could talk about the economic crisis.”

Censorship now appears to have vanished, but Syrian artists remain cautious about the future. Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, the Islamists who lead the new government, were formerly affiliated with Al Qaeda before breaking ties with the group in 2016 and attempting to rebrand as moderates.

“Who knows what might be censored next? For now, we are showing what we want,” said Mr Achkar. “We should remain optimistic but careful, and remain confident that we are smart enough to keep it this way.”

Ms Hasani said she believes the worst is in the past and that Syrians are ready for the challenges that lie ahead.

“The Syrian people who overthrew Assad are capable of overthrowing anyone else, because his was the most violent, inhumane and brutal form of oppression.”

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UK's plans to cut net migration

Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.

Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.

But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.

Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.

Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.

The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.

'Peninsula'

Stars: Gang Dong-won, Lee Jung-hyun, Lee Ra

Director: ​Yeon Sang-ho

Rating: 2/5

GOLF’S RAHMBO

- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)

Quick facts on cancer
  • Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide, after cardiovascular diseases 
  •  About one in five men and one in six women will develop cancer in their lifetime 
  • By 2040, global cancer cases are on track to reach 30 million 
  • 70 per cent of cancer deaths occur in low and middle-income countries 
  • This rate is expected to increase to 75 per cent by 2030 
  • At least one third of common cancers are preventable 
  • Genetic mutations play a role in 5 per cent to 10 per cent of cancers 
  • Up to 3.7 million lives could be saved annually by implementing the right health
    strategies 
  • The total annual economic cost of cancer is $1.16 trillion

   

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

Naga
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EMeshal%20Al%20Jaser%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3EAdwa%20Bader%2C%20Yazeed%20Almajyul%2C%20Khalid%20Bin%20Shaddad%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Vile

Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah

Director: Majid Al Ansari

Rating: 4/5

Second ODI

England 322-7 (50 ovs)
India 236 (50 ovs)

England win by 86 runs

Next match: Tuesday, July 17, Headingley 

Mane points for safe home colouring
  • Natural and grey hair takes colour differently than chemically treated hair
  • Taking hair from a dark to a light colour should involve a slow transition through warmer stages of colour
  • When choosing a colour (especially a lighter tone), allow for a natural lift of warmth
  • Most modern hair colours are technique-based, in that they require a confident hand and taught skills
  • If you decide to be brave and go for it, seek professional advice and use a semi-permanent colour
The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol

Power: 154bhp

Torque: 250Nm

Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option 

Price: From Dh79,600

On sale: Now

Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

RACE CARD

6.30pm Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,200

7.05pm Handicap Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m

7.40pm Maiden Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m

8.15pm Handicap Dh190,000 (D) 1,600m

8.50pm Handicap Dh175,000 (D) 1,400m

9.25pm Handicap Dh175,000 (D) 2,000m

 

The National selections:

6.30pm Underwriter

7.05pm Rayig

7.40pm Torno Subito

8.15pm Talento Puma

8.50pm Etisalat

9.25pm Gundogdu

Sheer grandeur

The Owo building is 14 storeys high, seven of which are below ground, with the 30,000 square feet of amenities located subterranean, including a 16-seat private cinema, seven lounges, a gym, games room, treatment suites and bicycle storage.

A clear distinction between the residences and the Raffles hotel with the amenities operated separately.

Updated: January 22, 2025, 8:43 AM