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Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Between censorship and chaos: Syrian artists wary of new regime
It was the last day of principal photography, and the day-time shots would begin in a brisk but brilliantly sunny morning in Kasheesh, a tiny village ensconced in the forested mountains of northwest Syria. Though the cast and crew of the television series "Al-Batal," or "The Hero," were happy to be wrapping up, there was a tinge of anxiety. For months, the drama happening elsewhere in the country had imposed itself on set: First the rapid-fire disintegration of the ruling regime in December; then, in March, a spate of sectarian massacres in villages just a few dozen miles away from Kasheesh. 'Maybe we'll get a third cataclysm before we're done … a dragon or something descending on us here,' joked Haima Ismail, a veteran Syrian actor, drawing a few cautious chuckles from crew members before her face turned serious. 'I don't know where we're heading. It's like you're falling and can't find the ground.' That was a common feeling among many artists in the country these days. Though few are sorry to see the downfall of former President Bashar Assad, they fear the Islamist-led authorities now in charge may prove to be just as restrictive in what they allow on screen. 'Before, the difficulties we faced were about the choices in the script, how truthful you could be about what was going on here,' said Nour Al-Ali, one of the series' top-billed Syrian actresses. 'Now I'm afraid we're going to face censorship in a different way.' A lot of people don't know this, but Syria is a powerhouse maker of serialized television. Well before streaming gained popularity, viewers would gorge on Syrian miniseries — from glamorous telenovelas to historical dramas. Cranked out by the dozen, the shows turned their stars into household names across the Arab world. The country's 14-year civil war ravaged the industry, but during Assad's reign, many of those series became a particularly potent propaganda tool. A state-backed production company financed shows emphasizing fealty to the ruler and demonizing Assad's adversaries as jihad-crazed chaos agents. Scripts for private productions were subject to suffocating controls. Celebrity actors and showrunners who strayed from the rah-rah government line, or who broached third-rail topics such as Assad's security forces' culpability in atrocities, found themselves attacked, blacklisted or even forced into exile. That "Al-Batal" made it to production at all was a function of director Al-Layth Hajjo's ability to deftly navigate those red lines. The story focuses on two figures, a school principal and a thug. When war comes to their village, the principal is paralyzed saving a displaced child, while the thug takes advantage of the bedlam to gain influence, assisting villagers by providing goods through smuggling and standing up militias to protect their homes. The series, according to Hajjo, explores the difference between those who are truly heroes, and those who pretend to be so as a result of war. Ensconced among monitors and other studio equipment in the bedroom of a house for an interior shot, Hajjo, an athletic-looking 53-year-old in a gray polo shirt and red-rimmed glasses, spoke of frequent clashes with the Assad-era censor while writing the script. 'He obsessed over silly details, like if the accent of the policeman hinted at his sect, or that we had a cockroach crawling over the picture of an army soldier," Hajjo said. Such distractions helped Hajjo subtly slip things past censors. "You put them in a situation where they just don't pay attention to the important issues you're saying,' Hajjo added, laughing as he spoke. 'He kept telling me, 'There's something in this text. I don't know what it is, but I don't trust your intentions.'" It took a month of cajoling, but the script finally passed. Still, a few weeks after shooting began, Hajjo submitted the first 10 episodes to the censorship board, and the deputy minister, who represented the security agencies, vowed the series would be suspended. Indeed, it was later suspended, but not in the way the deputy minister would have liked. In December, a rebel coalition led by the Islamist faction Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham began its assault on Assad's forces. In a moment of art imitating life, the "Al-Batal" crew was filming a scene where villagers salute the Syrian flag during a nearby barrage, even as the rebels advanced on Damascus. 'We're standing there shooting people singing the national anthem with explosions in the background, and we're getting word that Hama city is falling,' Hajjo said. When the opposition reached the outskirts of the city of Homs, Hajjo, fearing the main road to Damascus would be cut, pulled the plug. On Dec. 7, hours before Assad's escape to Russia, he loaded the cast and crew in buses, and led the way to the capital. Once there, he managed to get Farah Bseiso, a Palestinian-Jordanian actor, and his Polish director of photography, Zbigniew Rybczynski, out of the country. For the first few weeks, Hajjo, like most Syrians stunned by the lightning-fast implosion of Assad's 54-year-old dynasty, stayed home. But the situation appeared calm, and with Ramadan coming, he decided to approach the new authorities to restart filming. ''Al-Batal' was a cause for me. And I considered what happened to be a golden opportunity to finish what I wanted to say in the series — without censorship,' Hajjo said. He talked to anyone in the fledgling government he could find, but all appeared perplexed why he was reaching out to them in the first place. 'They kept asking 'So? Go film. What does it have to do with us? Why do you need us?'' Hajjo said. He finally convinced officials to give him the necessary permits. Some of the cast and crew couldn't return, but most did, including Al-Ali, who had fled to Dubai a few days after the regime's collapse. Initially, the actor, who had spent much of the war in Syria, thought that it was time now for her to watch events unfolding in her country "from the outside." But when Hajjo called, she felt she had to return. 'I wanted to be a part of the show because it spoke in a humanitarian way about the war, where so many were killed even though it had nothing to do with them,' she said. Twenty-five days after Assad's ouster, the production was back on. Then came the massacres. In early March, Assad loyalists launched a series of attacks on the new government's security forces. Government forces and thousands of fighters — including from Sunni jihadist factions — beat back the loyalists but also hunted down Alawites, who share Assad's religion and were seen by many Syrians as complicit in his policies. More than 1,000 civilians were tortured and executed, rights groups say. Al-Ali was at her family's home in Jableh, a coastal city that saw some of the worst massacres. She livestreamed a selfie-video, where she appears teary-eyed and terrified as pro-government gunmen roam the streets below, asking if someone is Sunni or Alawite before shooting those who answer the latter. When things calmed down Al-Ali returned to Kasheesh to finish filming. But the optimism she and others felt during the first heady months after Assad's fall was shattered; the violence seemed a harbinger of a new dictatorship dominated not by Assad's ideology but by Sunni religious fervor. The government's recent moves have done little to change that perception. Critics point out that the newly appointed Cabinet is dominated by Islamists, with some ministers espousing a hard-line interpretation of Sharia law. The culture minister, meanwhile, already managed to draw criticism for dismissive views on non-Arab Syrian minorities and their languages. Sulaf Fawakherji, a Syrian actor known for her pro-Assad views, was recently removed from the actors' syndicate for denying the former government's crimes. 'Look, in our theater we have Shakespeare, things from American and Russian everyday life, scenes that require a certain kind of dress, or a kiss, or depicting sexual harassment — I don't know if all this will become forbidden,' said Bashar Sheikh Saleh, a 25-year-old acting student at the state-backed Higher Institute for Dramatic Arts, who was acting in "Al-Batal" as part of his graduation project. Yet so far, authorities have mostly hewed to the if-it-ain't-broke approach. Officials at the institute in Damascus are still unclear what will happen to their funding, but those interviewed said they received encouraging signs from the government. Elsewhere, cultural performances continue, with hitherto banned books appearing in the stalls of sidewalk bookstores. Films that were once surreptitiously passed around via bootleg videos are getting their first theatrical run in the country. But Hajjo worries this will change. 'Their priority today is how to convey themselves positively to the street. They think actors and shows can do that,' he said. 'My fear is that, after a while, when they consolidate control, they won't need us anymore." The sun was setting, and the cast assembled for the final crowd scene. It was the one part of the show that had undergone substantial rewrites, Hajjo said, to account for the regime's collapse, which was why some crowd members carried Syria's new flag, a tricolor with bands of green, white and black, the green replacing red. Al-Ali got into position. Once filming was done, she would go to Dubai once more. 'I'm going to leave,' she said, her tone subdued, before she quickly added: 'Not forever. When things are stable, I'll return.' She fell silent for a beat, her eyes downcast. 'But you know, I used to say this before: Throughout the war, I said I would leave for good,' she said. 'And I always returned.' Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Between censorship and chaos: Syrian artists wary of new regime
KASHEESH, Syria — It was the last day of principal photography, and the day-time shots would begin in a brisk but brilliantly sunny morning in Kasheesh, a tiny village ensconced in the forested mountains of northwest Syria. Though the cast and crew of the television series 'Al-Batal,' or 'The Hero,' were happy to be wrapping up, there was a tinge of anxiety. For months, the drama happening elsewhere in the country had imposed itself on set: First the rapid-fire disintegration of the ruling regime in December; then, in March, a spate of sectarian massacres in villages just a few dozen miles away from Kasheesh. 'Maybe we'll get a third cataclysm before we're done … a dragon or something descending on us here,' joked Haima Ismail, a veteran Syrian actor, drawing a few cautious chuckles from crew members before her face turned serious. 'I don't know where we're heading. It's like you're falling and can't find the ground.' That was a common feeling among many artists in the country these days. Though few are sorry to see the downfall of former President Bashar Assad, they fear the Islamist-led authorities now in charge may prove to be just as restrictive in what they allow on screen. 'Before, the difficulties we faced were about the choices in the script, how truthful you could be about what was going on here,' said Nour Al-Ali, one of the series' top-billed Syrian actresses. 'Now I'm afraid we're going to face censorship in a different way.' A lot of people don't know this, but Syria is a powerhouse maker of serialized television. Well before streaming gained popularity, viewers would gorge on Syrian miniseries — from glamorous telenovelas to historical dramas. Cranked out by the dozen, the shows turned their stars into household names across the Arab world. The country's 14-year civil war ravaged the industry, but during Assad's reign, many of those series became a particularly potent propaganda tool. A state-backed production company financed shows emphasizing fealty to the ruler and demonizing Assad's adversaries as jihad-crazed chaos agents. Scripts for private productions were subject to suffocating controls. Celebrity actors and showrunners who strayed from the rah-rah government line, or who broached third-rail topics such as Assad's security forces' culpability in atrocities, found themselves attacked, blacklisted or even forced into exile. That 'Al-Batal' made it to production at all was a function of director Al-Layth Hajjo's ability to deftly navigate those red lines. The story focuses on two figures, a school principal and a thug. When war comes to their village, the principal is paralyzed saving a displaced child, while the thug takes advantage of the bedlam to gain influence, assisting villagers by providing goods through smuggling and standing up militias to protect their homes. The series, according to Hajjo, explores the difference between those who are truly heroes, and those who pretend to be so as a result of war. Ensconced among monitors and other studio equipment in the bedroom of a house for an interior shot, Hajjo, an athletic-looking 53-year-old in a gray polo shirt and red-rimmed glasses, spoke of frequent clashes with the Assad-era censor while writing the script. 'He obsessed over silly details, like if the accent of the policeman hinted at his sect, or that we had a cockroach crawling over the picture of an army soldier,' Hajjo said. Such distractions helped Hajjo subtly slip things past censors. 'You put them in a situation where they just don't pay attention to the important issues you're saying,' Hajjo added, laughing as he spoke. 'He kept telling me, 'There's something in this text. I don't know what it is, but I don't trust your intentions.'' It took a month of cajoling, but the script finally passed. Still, a few weeks after shooting began, Hajjo submitted the first 10 episodes to the censorship board, and the deputy minister, who represented the security agencies, vowed the series would be suspended. Indeed, it was later suspended, but not in the way the deputy minister would have liked. In December, a rebel coalition led by the Islamist faction Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham began its assault on Assad's forces. In a moment of art imitating life, the 'Al-Batal' crew was filming a scene where villagers salute the Syrian flag during a nearby barrage, even as the rebels advanced on Damascus. 'We're standing there shooting people singing the national anthem with explosions in the background, and we're getting word that Hama city is falling,' Hajjo said. When the opposition reached the outskirts of the city of Homs, Hajjo, fearing the main road to Damascus would be cut, pulled the plug. On Dec. 7, hours before Assad's escape to Russia, he loaded the cast and crew in buses, and led the way to the capital. Once there, he managed to get Farah Bseiso, a Palestinian-Jordanian actor, and his Polish director of photography, Zbigniew Rybczynski, out of the country. For the first few weeks, Hajjo, like most Syrians stunned by the lightning-fast implosion of Assad's 54-year-old dynasty, stayed home. But the situation appeared calm, and with Ramadan coming, he decided to approach the new authorities to restart filming. ''Al-Batal' was a cause for me. And I considered what happened to be a golden opportunity to finish what I wanted to say in the series — without censorship,' Hajjo said. He talked to anyone in the fledgling government he could find, but all appeared perplexed why he was reaching out to them in the first place. 'They kept asking 'So? Go film. What does it have to do with us? Why do you need us?'' Hajjo said. He finally convinced officials to give him the necessary permits. Some of the cast and crew couldn't return, but most did, including Al-Ali, who had fled to Dubai a few days after the regime's collapse. Initially, the actor, who had spent much of the war in Syria, thought that it was time now for her to watch events unfolding in her country 'from the outside.' But when Hajjo called, she felt she had to return. 'I wanted to be a part of the show because it spoke in a humanitarian way about the war, where so many were killed even though it had nothing to do with them,' she said. Twenty-five days after Assad's ouster, the production was back on. Then came the massacres. In early March, Assad loyalists launched a series of attacks on the new government's security forces. Government forces and thousands of fighters — including from Sunni jihadist factions — beat back the loyalists but also hunted down Alawites, who share Assad's religion and were seen by many Syrians as complicit in his policies. More than 1,000 civilians were tortured and executed, rights groups say. Al-Ali was at her family's home in Jableh, a coastal city that saw some of the worst massacres. She livestreamed a selfie-video, where she appears teary-eyed and terrified as pro-government gunmen roam the streets below, asking if someone is Sunni or Alawite before shooting those who answer the latter. When things calmed down Al-Ali returned to Kasheesh to finish filming. But the optimism she and others felt during the first heady months after Assad's fall was shattered; the violence seemed a harbinger of a new dictatorship dominated not by Assad's ideology but by Sunni religious fervor. The government's recent moves have done little to change that perception. Critics point out that the newly appointed Cabinet is dominated by Islamists, with some ministers espousing a hard-line interpretation of Sharia law. The culture minister, meanwhile, already managed to draw criticism for dismissive views on non-Arab Syrian minorities and their languages. Sulaf Fawakherji, a Syrian actor known for her pro-Assad views, was recently removed from the actors' syndicate for denying the former government's crimes. 'Look, in our theater we have Shakespeare, things from American and Russian everyday life, scenes that require a certain kind of dress, or a kiss, or depicting sexual harassment — I don't know if all this will become forbidden,' said Bashar Sheikh Saleh, a 25-year-old acting student at the state-backed Higher Institute for Dramatic Arts, who was acting in 'Al-Batal' as part of his graduation project. Yet so far, authorities have mostly hewed to the if-it-ain't-broke approach. Officials at the institute in Damascus are still unclear what will happen to their funding, but those interviewed said they received encouraging signs from the government. Elsewhere, cultural performances continue, with hitherto banned books appearing in the stalls of sidewalk bookstores. Films that were once surreptitiously passed around via bootleg videos are getting their first theatrical run in the country. But Hajjo worries this will change. 'Their priority today is how to convey themselves positively to the street. They think actors and shows can do that,' he said. 'My fear is that, after a while, when they consolidate control, they won't need us anymore.' The sun was setting, and the cast assembled for the final crowd scene. It was the one part of the show that had undergone substantial rewrites, Hajjo said, to account for the regime's collapse, which was why some crowd members carried Syria's new flag, a tricolor with bands of green, white and black, the green replacing red. Al-Ali got into position. Once filming was done, she would go to Dubai once more. 'I'm going to leave,' she said, her tone subdued, before she quickly added: 'Not forever. When things are stable, I'll return.' She fell silent for a beat, her eyes downcast. 'But you know, I used to say this before: Throughout the war, I said I would leave for good,' she said. 'And I always returned.'
Al Bawaba
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Bawaba
Nour Ali survives live fire amid massacres in Syria's coastal area
ALBAWABA - Coinciding with the bloody events and clashes that are happening in several areas on the Syrian coastal area in the last few days, the Syrian actress Nour Ali posted a video while crying and narrating what happened with her in the Jableh area in Latakia. It is worth noting that the civilian death toll has jumped to 973, including women and children, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). SOHR further noted that 39 massacres were committed since the escalation, sparked by attacks by Alawite militants on March 6 against forces of the Syrian Interior and Defense Ministries, fueling brutal killings, field executions, and ethnic cleansing operations beginning on March 7. Famous Syrian actress Nour Ali denounces the atrocities of Islamic terrorists in Syria: "They broke into civilians' homes and kiIIed entire Syrian families." — RadioGenoa (@RadioGenoa) March 9, 2025 Nour Ali survives live fire amid massacres in Syria's coastal area: She posted the video on her Instagram story on Sunday evening, saying she wished that the security authorities would arrest everyone carrying a weapon for external purposes and to spread discord following the collapse of the Bashar Assad regime on Dec. 8. Nour Ali added that before the Syrian General Security took control of Jableh, where her family lives, some armed men, "foreigners, Chechens and Takfiris", went out into the streets, entered homes and killed civilians. She confirmed that she was shot by one of the armed men while he was stealing her car, adding that she contacted the General Security, who positively and quickly responded to her complaint. Syria Star Nour Ali in Ramadan 2025: Syria actress Nour Ali is currently starring in a very successful Ramadan 2025 series called "Al Batal (The Hero)" along with Syrian actor Bassam Kousa and Mahmoud Nsr, in addition to loads of Syrian stars. The series is directed by Syrian director Al-Laith Hajjo, and written by him in partnership with screenwriter Rami Kousa. The plot is based on an idea by the late Syrian novelist Mamdouh Adwan. The series "The Hero" highlights the conflict between "morals and values, influence and power", in a new way through the fates of simple people living in the Syrian countryside, who face domination, exploitation, poverty, and limited life options.
Emirates Woman
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates Woman
March's – The Resilience Issue with Cymbiotika
Cover Star: Durana Elmi Creative Direction: Amy Sessions Photographer: Laura Bravo Mertz Production: Lauren Palmer and Maka Uddin Stylist: Ozzy Shah Assistant Stylist: Anabelle Hernández Makeup: Fariia Sipahi Hair: Hannah Kvasova Welcome to The Resilience Issue. For our cover, we are proud to have partnered with a powerhouse of a woman who I would count as not only someone I admire, as her story is exceptional, but also a friend. Co-founder and COO of Cymbiotika, Durana Elmi is a powerhouse of strength, resilience and determination, yet she retains a femininity we have long admired. Durana Elmi's journey is a testament to the art of resilience – grace under pressure, strength in adversity, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. On our cover shoot, we took the time to understand what it's taken to build a global wellness brand and continue to strive for excellence whilst having empathy on a daily basis in The Art of Resilience. It is for this reason we wanted to share with you two special covers this month, to represent that resilience can show up in severalnforms; inner strength and how you show that, is up to you. 'Look Within' In this issue, we focus on stories from women who have overcome adversity, challenges or taken on big dreams and made them happen, no matter what it took. It is an incredibly inspiring issue and we look forward to you discovering stories that give you strength, bolster your belief in yourself and allow you to believe that anything is possible. During this very special Holy month, allow yourself the time for introspection and in turn renewal. When we look within – we always find the answers. The Hero Buys Lisa Yang Carlie belted brushed organic cashmere cardigan Dhs3,277 Mango Grey V-Neck Knitted Cardigan Dhs179 Nour Hammour Layla scarf-detail leather jacket Dhs 5,533, available at Mytheresa. Paris Texas Lidia Mules Dhs2050. Shop from THAT Concept Store Vince Cashmere sweater Dhs1,060. Shop at – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram March's – The Resilience Issue – Download Now
Associated Press
20-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
No More Fake Branding: The Power of Authenticity & Archetypes in the New Era of Personal Branding
Michael Durant, Founder of Creating Genius, reveals why most brands fall flat—and how character archetypes create deeper connections and lasting influence. AUSTIN , TX, UNITED STATES, February 20, 2025 / / -- In today's digital landscape, authenticity is no longer a luxury—it's the foundation of a powerful personal brand. Studies show that 86% of consumers prioritize authenticity when choosing brands to support. Michael Durant, brand strategist and founder of Creating Genius Branding, emphasizes that personal branding is more than visibility—it's about storytelling, emotional connection, and a well-defined identity. 'People connect with those they know, like, and trust. A personal brand isn't just about looking professional—it's about being real. Like in movies, we are drawn to characters with depth and purpose. A well-defined brand archetype creates that same emotional connection,' says Durant. A brand archetype is like a personality type for a brand—it shapes how people relate to and remember it. Just like in books and movies, where characters fall into familiar roles—the Hero, The Rebel, The Sage—brands also take on distinct personas that define their voice, message, and impact. People don't just buy products or services—they buy into stories, emotions, and trust. A brand with a clear and consistent identity stands out, earns loyalty, and fosters real connections. Michael Durant highlights well-known figures who embody powerful archetypes: - The Hero – Kobe Bryant: Relentless, disciplined, and inspiring, defining excellence through his Mamba Mentality. - The Sage – Gary Vaynerchuk: A thought leader who shares wisdom and strategic insights to empower others. - The Creator – (Jimmy Donaldson): An innovator who captivates audiences with groundbreaking, high-impact content. - The Explorer – Serena Williams: Beyond tennis, she builds a brand around ambition, risk-taking, and breaking barriers. - The Caregiver – Marcus Rashford: Uses his platform for philanthropy, advocating for childhood hunger relief and education. - The Jester – Kevin Hart: Engages and entertains through humor, wit, and an unforgettable presence. - The Lover – Zendaya: Emotionally connects with audiences through artistry, elegance, and authenticity. - The Rebel – Elon Musk: Disrupts industries by challenging norms and pushing innovation beyond limits. - The Everyman – Shaquille O'Neal: He is reliable, trustworthy, and grounded, making him a brand people feel comfortable with. - The Innocent – Keanu Reeves: He embodies humility, kindness, and generosity in an industry known for excess. These archetypes aren't just labels—they're strategic assets. When brands maintain consistency in their identity, they become instantly recognizable and deeply trusted. A strong personal brand isn't just about exposure—it's about predictability. When individuals maintain a clear and unwavering brand personality, their audience knows what to expect, leading to stronger engagement and long-term trust. Studies show that 77% of consumers are more likely to support brands that share their values. Inconsistency creates confusion—but when a brand stays true to its identity, it builds momentum, credibility, and deeper audience connections. Personal brands are no longer just about reputation—they're high-performing business assets. Today, entrepreneurs, creators, and executives are generating revenue on par with large companies by leveraging their brand identity. Brand success isn't just about having a social media presence—crafting a compelling and strategic brand story that attracts the right audience. Every touchpoint, from content and social media to websites, messaging, and offerings, contributes to a brand's ability to convert trust into tangible business growth. 'Michael Durant explains that this is why they launched CAPTIVATE Personal Branding from Creating Genius—to help professionals, coaches, executives, and creatives refine their brand identity with clarity and focus. As part of this initiative, Durant developed the Brand F.U.S.E. Method—an innovative framework designed to establish consistency, amplify impact, and create lasting influence for personal brands.' - Focus – A strong brand starts with a clear core message and identity, ensuring alignment with the right audience. - Unique – In a crowded market, brands must stand out by amplifying what makes them distinct. - Specialized – Expertise builds trust and credibility, positioning a brand as a leader with a straightforward offering. - Effective – A brand must deliver measurable results, ensuring growth in awareness, engagement, and business success. This method ensures that a personal brand isn't just present—it's performing. The brands that will dominate the future aren't just seen—they're felt. In an age where trust, relatability, and authenticity define success, those who master storytelling, positioning, and connection will own the conversation. Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, or industry expert, a well-defined personal brand is more than an asset—it's a movement. Diana Gibson Creating Genius Branding +1 702-884-9643 Legal Disclaimer:
