12th International Cartoon Contest-Syria 2016 Kicks off under Slogan Art against Terrorism
DAMASCUS, (ST)- Under the slogan “Art against terrorism”, the 12th International Cartoon Contest -Syria 2016 kicks off today evening at Al-Assad House for Culture and Arts in Damascus with the participation of 63 Arab and foreign countries.
Cartoonists from Russia, China, Iran, Ukraine, Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Cuba, Egypt, France, Finland, Iraq, Italy and others will exhibit their artistic works in the week-long cultural event.
The contest administration has announced the names of the jury members who are Rida Hassan from Germany, Juan Qarajouli from Syria, al-Mohannad Kalthoum from Syria, Mowaffaq Kalthoum from Syria, Emad Salehi from Iran, and Raed Khalil from Syria.
Syrian filmmaker al-Mohannad Kalthoum, a jury member, said in a statement to the local press that the contest is a message of challenge against the tragic circumstances in the country. Topics will focus on terrorism and its destructive repercussions on all aspects of life in Syria.
“Our goal is clear and transparent and our message to all who seek destroying Syria is that Syria will stay steadfast against terrorism and against the heinous media campaigns which distort facts about Syria, Kalthoum added.
He hailed the Syrian youths’ awareness and national feeling reflected in their activities particularly the cultural ones which express their love and loyalty the homeland.
According to Kalthoum, caricature is as a tool of communication between societies whatever their nationalities, ideas and languages.
“Caricature is a critical kind of art that touches upon different political, economic, social and cultural topics in an ironic way, but effective enough to shed light on some problems that need solutions,” he stressed.
Hamda Mustafa