Damascus, April 7 (SANA) – A cultural screening at Manzoul Hall in Damascus’ Rabweh district featured two short films produced by students from the first filmmaking directing class at the Arab International University, highlighting emerging Syrian cinematic talent.
The event attracted a notable audience of young Syrians who attended the screening of the films created as part of academic projects in the university’s film directing program.
Student Belqis al-Talla presented a 24-minute short film titled “Maw‘ed Gharam” (A Romantic Date). The film follows the story of Layla, a young woman living with her elderly mother and working in fashion design and tailoring, portraying themes of love and resilience during years of war in a city experiencing indiscriminate shelling.
Al-Talla said the film reflects the experience of a young woman carrying family responsibilities amid the absence of her migrant brother while facing social and economic challenges that mirror the realities of many Syrians. The project, she added, seeks to portray Syrian experiences while emphasizing hope despite hardship.
The second film, “Video Call,” directed by student Zain Khazzam, runs for 18 minutes and explores the struggles of Syrian youth who left their country and sought refuge in neighboring states such as Lebanon, often confronting uncertainty and difficulty building a clear future.
Khazzam noted that the class represents the first academic cohort graduating in film directing from the Arab International University. The film was produced with modest student resources and tells the story of a Syrian family separated for 15 years, reunited only through video communication.
The screening of such short films marks an early step for young Syrian filmmakers seeking to contribute to the development of Syrian cinema and present creative works that reflect their perspectives while opening the door to broader professional opportunities.
Kh.A
