Stories from Syria: Book Launch & Film Screening

Join us for an evening of storytelling, writing, and critical thinking from Syria, in association with Comma Press. Book Launch: The Book of Damascus Edited by Zaher Omareen Damascus is a city of contradictions. Simultaneously the oldest city in the world, rich with Roman, Byzantine and early Islamic architecture, and one of the most modern. It stands at a crossroads between East and West, past and the future. After fourteen years of relentless civil war, no one is sure exactly what lies ahead. But Damascus is famously full of surprises. Editor Zaher Omareen and author Haseeb Al-Zainy will read from The Book of Damascus in English and Arabic (with English subtitles). ‘The Book of Damascus suggests a way forward for Syrian fiction beyond catastrophe—remarkable for a collection written largely during the war. The collection’s most memorable stories refuse to let either the city or its inhabitants collapse into a single interpretive centre.’ – Anas Tareef, The Markaz Review Film Screening: On Dreams, the Surreal and the Liberation of Syria (and Homs) By Julie-Yara Atz In this 8-minute short, Julie-Yara Atz films her hometown of Homs after the long-awaited fall of the Assad regime. Time stands still, everything looks new. The future is open to dreams and hopes, but also to uncertainties. ‘A raw encounter with the city, once named the ‘capital of the revolution’. Shot on an infrared camera, from a car window, the film subverts commonly seen images of destruction. The ruins are permeated with light; there is a breeze of possibility. The absences are filled with euphoria and anticipation. The film creates a space where the tension between grief and joy is held.’ – Milda Valiulyte, Letterboxd The readings and film screening will be followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A hosted by Basma Ghalayini, Arabic Series Editor at Comma Press. Registration is £5 and includes refreshments. If cost is a barrier to attending, please reach out to us on [email protected]. Please note, the Arab British Centre is not a fully accessible building. Please reach out to us to discuss your access requirements.