Syrian actors voiced their hopes for brighter days ahead for both their homeland and its native film and television industry, as the country forges ahead under a de facto government following the ousting of former president Bashar Al Assad.
Speaking from the lavender carpet of Saturday’s Joy Awards in Riyadh, Bassem Yakhour, one of Syria’s most prominent television stars, said the new developments on the ground could accelerate efforts to rebuild the country’s film and television sector, which has been decimated since the outbreak of the civil war in 2011.
Although not nominated this year, Yakhour stated that his presence at the event was to support last year’s Syrian drama, Al Arbaji 2, in which he starred.
"Following the changes in Syria, we’re beginning to see artistic projects remerge. Although it’s too soon to judge, I think production had been at a standstill for a while," he said.
"Today, acting as a profession requires logistical services and resources. Thankfully, projects have started to resume, and over the foreseeable future, we’ll see how things develop. I truly hope that these projects continue to grow and evolve. Ultimately, Syria is our homeland, and we must always be present there."
As an indication of the industry's enduring viability, Yakhour revealed that he will star in two Syrian drama series during Ramadan – Serum and Al Sabea. While the networks or platforms where they will be broadcast remain unknown, he expressed particular excitement about the prospects of Al Sabea.
Created by Syrian screenwriter Zaki Mardini, the historical drama, which translates to The Seven in English, is set in Damascus and features a Syrian ensemble cast, including Abdel Moneim Amairy and Hala Rajab. While details remain scarce, the series is said to centre on the lives of several powerful families locked in conflict over prestige and rival businesses. Al Sabea will also explore the lives of gypsies and the struggles they faced in Damascus during that period.
“It’s a historical, fictional story set in a speculative time period. It’s a new and different project in terms of style and genre,” Yahkour said. “I believe it’s unprecedented and, if aired this year on major channels, will create a buzz in the artistic scene.”
Someone who has been creating a buzz for decades is Syria’s Yasser Al-Azmeh, who was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the ceremony. The revered actor is known for Maraya, which had its debut in 1982 and ran intermittently for 31 years. Meaning mirrors, the show comprised plot-driven episodes or a series of sketches that shed deft light on Syrian society with witty yet challenging stories surrounding political corruption and social inequality within Syria. The series is credited with influencing a generation of Arab sketch programmes, including Saudi Arabia's Tash ma Tash and Syria's Spotlight.
“Syria taught me that honesty, noble positions and constructive criticism are the foundation of all creativity. This is where the idea of Maraya began - a series that encapsulates everything I want and everything I wish the Arab viewer to understand,” Al-Azmeh said in his acceptance speech.
“I emphasise that art is not merely luxury or entertainment; it is an open window – a gateway through which we can examine our mistakes, the negatives and positives of our reality. I cannot describe the extent of my happiness when I hear a young man or woman say they can't sleep without watching Maraya, or when parents tell their children to watch it, assuring them that it’s something trustworthy and comforting.”
Other Syrian productions highlighted on Saturday night were last year's dramas Al Ameel and Wlad Badee'a, both of which were nominated for Best Levant Series.
