A Comedian in a Syrian Tragedy
Spring Grants 2016
Rami Farah / Feature Documentary / Syria, Denmark, Qatar, France, Norway / 2019 / 95 min / Original Language: Arabic / Interests: Comedy, War, Immigration, Psychological, Creative Documentary
Synopsis
A gripping chronicle of a revolution and war, experienced by Syrian actor Fares Helou. As one of the most famous film and television personalities in Syria, Fares Helou’s political opinions are not taken lightly by the Assad regime. The highest-ranking officials of the dictatorial regime try to win him over with a dual strategy—first by showing him respect, and then with masked threats. Fearing for his life and his family’s safety, Helou goes into hiding, where he is joined by director Rami Farah and his camera.
When Helou is eventually forced to flee from Syria to France, Rami follows him. However, neither the actor nor the director had a script for this new and unexpected chapter in their lives: exile. A chapter full of questions, disappointments, and alienation, but also of absurdity and cultural confusion that calls for laughter. While they try to find their footing on a new continent, the need to remain faithful to the dream of a free and democratic Syria becomes a matter of integrity—an existential quest. ‘A Comedian in a Syrian Tragedy’ is an intimate observation of the psychological violence and the exiled existence experienced by the director and his favourite actor.
Credits
- Director
- Rami Farah
- Screenwriter
- Rami Farah
- Producer
- Signe Byrge Sorenson
- Production Company
- Final Cut for Real
About the Director
Rami Farah is a Syrian filmmaker, actor and performer, born in 1980 and currently based in Paris. He first studied dance in Damascus at the High Institute for Dramatic Arts and has attended many training courses and workshops in contemporary film and dance. His earliest films and videos both use a blend of dance and audiovisual material. 'ZamKan', made in 2004, unfolds as a dialogue between a ceiling fan and a chair in a silent room. It was followed by 'Point', a short art video that was screened in several exhibitions and festivals around the world.
Awards and Festival History
Festivals
"IDFA 2019 (WP)
Amman IFF 2020 (1st edition)"