Since the beginning of the Syrian uprising in early 2011, artists and film makers have – like all other Syrians - been closely following the unfolding events and have often taken a clear stand against violence and oppression and for the freedom of all citizens. These ideas have also been dominant in artistic production, whereby hope and despair often appear closely linked.

The program “Ghosts Approaching From Afar” presents a series of very personal statements from artists, who on a daily basis are confronted with disturbing news and doomed to follow the increasingly violent events from the distance. Kevork Mourad and Charlotte Bank will be present to introduce the films. The conversation will be in English.

Ammar Al-Beik: The Sun’s Incubator (2011), 11:32
The film presents a series of decisive moments in the life of a young family: Demonstrations, revolutions and the birth of a new generation on one hand, tragedy, despair and death on the other, all closely linked to the wish for change.

Khaled Abdulwahed: Tajj (2012), 2:14
The ball game of a child is presented as an ambiguous symbol: On one hand a glimpse of hope in the middle of violence and on the other the repetitive sound that merges with the sound of all-submerging explosions.

Kevork Mourad: A Sad Morning, Every Morning (2012), 4:02
In grey animated images the artist reflects on his feelings every morning when following news from Syria in his exile in the USA.

Madonna Adib: Demain l’adieu (2012), 2:00
Madonna Adib presents a poetic declaration of love to her lover, her country, her city and to life.

Randa Mdah: Light Horizon (2012), 7:21
A young woman pursues her daily household work in an alienating setting.

Anonymous: Hama 82 (2012), 26:00
The film, realized by an anonymous film maker, traces the wounds of the city of Hama, the location of a massacre in 1982 and a violent crackdown of peaceful protests in 2011.

Mohammad Ali Atassi: Ibn Am Online (2012), 36:08
In this portrait of the prominent Syrian oppositional figure Riad Turk, Mohammad Ali Atassi discusses the significance of former resistance figures for the non-violent uprising that started in 2011.

Free. English subtitles.