Lens on Syria: 30 Years of Contemporary filmmaking

Producer

Film Society of Lincoln Center, New York

2006

Often described as Arab cinema's "best kept secret", ArteEast's Syrian cinema series provides an unprecedented opportunity for audiences in New York to discover a politically timely and relevant program, ranging from nonfiction films and comedies to political dramas and historical epics, all representative of one of the richest -- albeit lesser-known -- of world cinemas.

One of the most compelling feats of Syrian filmmakers has been their ability to craft an unabashedly independent voice despite the fact that their films are produced by the state, a stellar achievement in Arab cinema. Films do not shy away from making poignant and social and political critique, far removed from dogma and didactism.