InstituteFestivalProfessionals
EN/NL
Donate
Loading...
MyIDFA
A Comedian in a Syrian Tragedy
About IDFA
Archive
A Comedian in a Syrian Tragedy
IDFA 2019

A Comedian in a Syrian Tragedy

Rami Farah
France, Denmark, Syria, Jordan, Norway, Qatar
2019
95 min
World Premiere
Festival history
As one of the most famous film and television actors in Syria, Fares Helou’s political opinions aren’t taken lightly by the Assad regime. When he stands by pro-democracy protestors in 2011, Fares makes a difference. Meanwhile, 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 leaves the country. But as soon as he’s settled in Paris with his family, the pain of exile starts, along with an obsessive need to remain connected to Syria and to find a way to contribute. For Helou, exile means that his celebrity status now only survives on the internet, through social networks. While the family tries to find its footing in a totally new space and culture, the need to remain faithful to the dream of a free and democratic Syria becomes a matter of integrity—an existential quest.
Credits
Director
Production
    Lyana saleh,
    Cindy Le Templier for SHASHAT Multimedia Productions ,
    Signe Byrge Sørensen
Sound Design
    Henrik Garnov
    Henrik Garnov
Music
    Dima Orsho
    Dima Orsho
Screening copy
    Final Cut for Real
    Final Cut for Real
World Sales
    Final Cut for Real
    Final Cut for Real
Involved TV Channel
    Al Jazeera Documentary Channel,
    DR
    Al Jazeera Documentary Channel,
    DR