original title: فارس حلو.. حكاية ممثل خرج عن النص
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, the pain of exile starts, along with an obsessive need to remain connected to Syria. 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.
Rami Farah was born in Syria in 1980. After studying dance at the Higher Institute of Arts in Damascus, he attended numerous training courses and workshops in contemporary film and dance. His first films and videos blend dance and audiovisual material. Zamkan (2004), unfolds as a dialogue between a ceiling fan and a chair in a silent room. It was followed by Point (2004), a short video that was screened in several exhibitions and festivals. In 2006, Farah shot and produced a 35-minute documentary about the Golan Heights entitled Silence. His latest work is the documentary film Our Memory Belongs To Us(2021), selected at IDFA 2021.
Co-presented with the Regards syriens collective and the McGill Refugee Research Group as part of the 7th edition of Syria Sees You.
EST - English subtitles
