During the first half of Ramadan, the programme hosted a group of the most prominent Syrian artists and cultural activists. They spoke with great candour about the period of artistic struggle against the Assad regime and the persecution and harassment they faced.
Their experiences varied from arrest and torture, as happened with artist Bassam Dakak, to displacement, or leaving for fear of their lives. Or being banned from entering Syria, as happened with a number of actors, including Samer al-Masry, Sawsan Arshid, Abdul Hakim Qatifan, Yara Sabri, director Maher Salibi, singer Ahmed al-Qassim, and others.
The programme also addressed the enormous challenges facing the Syrian people in building a civil state that accommodates all segments of the Syrian population and provides a decent living for its citizens. The programme's guests also discussed the challenges that have been faced and will face the art industry in general, and the drama industry in Syria in light of the transitional conditions.
The programme's episodes included numerous exclusive and powerful statements about Syria's past and present. Actor Mazen al-Nazour sent a strong message to artists supporting the Bashar al-Assad regime, urging them to remain silent.
Actor Abdel Hakim Qatifan indicated the possibility of producing a new season of the series "Smile, General," which aired exclusively on Al Arabi 2 during Ramadan 2023 and achieved record viewership even within Syria despite severe security restrictions on its distribution.
The programme presented by media professionals Milad Hadchiti and Nour Haddad, will continue airing during the second half of Ramadan with new guests. The programme airs daily at 9pm Qatar time, exclusively on Al Arabi 2 and via the Al Arabi+ app.
Related Story
