Syrian Cinema.. Unforgettable Films Across Decades

Syrian cinema is considered an integral part of Arab culture, as it has presented many films over the decades that have left a clear mark on the history of Arab and international cinema. In this article, we will review the most prominent Syrian films that have influenced the cinematic scene and impressed the audience and critics alike.

The Leopard (1972) The film "The Leopard" by director Nabil Maleh is one of the most important films in the history of Syrian cinema. The film is adapted from the novel of the same name by writer Haidar Haidar, and depicts the story of a simple farmer who becomes a symbol of resistance against injustice and tyranny. The film is distinguished by the wonderful performances of the actors, and by the distinguished direction that reflects Nabil Maleh's ability to present a touching story in a unique cinematic style.

The Night (1992) The film “The Night” by director Mohammad Malas is another cinematic work worth mentioning. The film tells the story of a Syrian family living in the city of Quneitra during the Israeli occupation of the Golan Heights. The film reflects the suffering of the Syrian people through a touching human story, and is distinguished by a directing style that combines realism and poetry. The film has won many awards at international film festivals, reflecting its high artistic quality.

"Bab Al Shams" movie (2004) "Bab Al Shams" by director Yousry Nasrallah is considered one of the prominent films that dealt with the Palestinian issue from a Syrian perspective. The film is adapted from the novel by Lebanese writer Elias Khoury, and depicts a love story between Younis and Nahla in the shadow of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

The film features strong performances by actors Basil Khayat, Orwa Nyrabia, Rana Shamis and other stars, and a distinguished direction that reflects Youssef Nasrallah's ability to present a complex story in a wonderful cinematic style.

Damascus, the Smile of Sorrow (2008) A Syrian film adapted from the novel of the same name by Syrian writer Elfa Al-Idlibi. Written by Mahmoud Abdel Wahed and directed by Maher Kaddo, the film tells the story of "Sabria" who suffers from the male mentality in society during the period from the days of the Great Syrian Revolution until the 1940s. It depicts the Syrian woman's attempt to achieve her freedom and equality with men.

The work stars a number of stars, including Kinda Hanna, Sabah Al-Jazaery, Abbas Al-Nouri, and other stars.

"Damascus with Love" (2010) The film "Damascus with Love" by director Mohamed Abdel Aziz is a cinematic work that combines romance and drama, as the film deals with a love story between a Christian young man and a Jewish girl living in Damascus, and reflects the peaceful coexistence between different religions and cultures in Syria. The film stars an elite group of stars, including the late great Khaled Taja, Fares Al-Helou, Marah Jaber, Pierre Dagher, Samer Omran and other stars, with distinguished direction that reflects the beauty and splendor of the city of Damascus.

My Last Friend 2012 The film tells the story of a doctor who decides to end his life because of an act he committed. After searching and investigating, and examining the place and events, the investigating officer refuses to accept the doctor's suicide and opens an investigation that reveals the doctor's life story and the reasons for his desire to end his life.

The film is written and directed by Jude Said, and stars a group of stars including Abdel Moneim Amayri, Laura Abu Asaad, George Jabara, Andre Skaf, Sawsan Arshid, and Jamal Al Ali.

"Rain of Homs" movie (2014) The film "Rain of Homs" by director Jude Said is a cinematic work that deals with the Syrian war from a human perspective. The film depicts the story of a young man and a girl trying to survive in the besieged city of Homs. The film features a distinguished performance by artist Mohammed Al-Ahmad and artist Lama Al-Hakim, and a distinguished directing that reflects Jude Saeed's ability to present a touching story in a realistic cinematic style.

A Man and Three Days (2016) The film tells the story of a writer and theater director who separates from his actress wife during the opening of the last play they performed together. He then decides to travel outside Syria. Meanwhile, he hears the news of the death of a friend of his and a coffin containing his body is brought to his house. He is asked to transport the coffin to his friend's family, and is then exposed to a number of events.

The work is written and directed by Jude Saeed, and stars a number of stars, including Mohammed Al-Ahmad, Ruba Halabi, and others.

"Fires" movie The film "Fires", written and directed by Mohamed Abdel Aziz, is a cinematic work that deals with the impact of the Syrian war on people's lives. The film depicts the story of four Syrian women from diverse social backgrounds, who are trying to save their lives during the war. It stars a number of stars, including Nancy Khoury, Hafra Younes, Rana Risha, Amani Ibrahim and others.

War Travelers (2018) The film "War Travelers" by director Jude Said is a cinematic work that deals with the Syrian war from a different perspective, as it depicts the story of a group of people trying to escape the war and search for safety. The film is distinguished by the distinctive performance of its heroes, including the great artist Ayman Zidan, the artist Lina Hawarneh, the artist Lujain Ismail and others, and by the distinguished directing that reflects Jude Said's ability to present a touching story in a realistic cinematic style.

Morning Star (2019) The film "Morning Star" by director Jude Said is a cinematic work that deals with the Syrian war from a human perspective, as it depicts the suffering of kidnapped Syrian women who were subjected to torture during the war. The film stars a number of stars, including Mohammed Al-Ahmad, Lujain Ismail, Karam Al-Shaarani, Rana Jamoul, and others.

Sky Path (2019) The film revolves around a young rural man after his marriage. The film tells the story of “Amjad,” a young rural man who is marginalized within his surroundings. After his marriage to Rama, he is hit by a mortar shell and loses his sight as a result of his inability to receive the necessary treatment due to the siege that the region is witnessing. He finds the only safe haven is his wife. Later, this young man decides to immigrate illegally with his wife to receive treatment.

The film is written by Rami Kousa, directed by Jude Said, and stars a group of stars, most notably Ayman Zidan, George Jabara, Ruba Halabi, Safaa Sultan, and others.

"Youssef's Journey" movie The film tells the story of "Grandfather Youssef" who was not driven out of his home by the war in Syria or the armed militias that took control of his village, but the fear for love alone is what drove him to flee with his grandson Ziad, an orphan of both father and mother, along with his teenage girlfriend Hajar and her aunt towards the Lebanese border after one of the militia leaders "Abdul Hadi" tried to seize the 16-year-old girl.

The film is an idea by Ayman Zidan and Jude Saeed, written by Wissam Kanaan and Jude Saeed, directed by Jude Saeed, and starring a group of stars, most notably Ayman Zidan, Ruba Halabi, Samer Omran, Wael Abu Ghazaleh, and others.

The movie "Amina" The film tells the story of a woman who faces many troubles and ambitions, and lives in great emotional and life chaos due to the circumstances of her sick son and her daughter who becomes the focus of attention of one of the influential people, so the conflict begins in her life between the desire to preserve her son's life, and the happiness of her threatened daughter, passing through her simple human relationships with the characters surrounding her in her village.

The film is written by Samah Qatal, directed by Syrian star Ayman Zidan, and stars a number of stars, most notably Nadine Khoury, Lina Hawarna, Ramez Al-Aswad, and Karam Al-Shaarani.

Syrian cinema is considered an integral part of Arab culture, as it has presented many films over the decades that have left a clear mark on the history of Arab and international cinema. Through this article, we have reviewed the most prominent Syrian films that have influenced the cinematic scene and impressed the audience and critics alike. These films reflect the ability of Syrian cinema to present moving stories in a distinctive cinematic style, which makes them worth watching and appreciating.