“Photograph” wins best short film prize at “Cinelà” Festival of African Cinema and Beyond in Italy
The Syrian narrative short film “Photograph”, by director Almohannad Kalthoum has won the best
film prize in the official competition of the 43rd “Cinelà” Festival of African Cinema and Beyond “Africa Short 2024” in Verona, Italy, which concluded its activities on June 29th, in the Italian city of Verona.
The film highlights the impacts of the war in Syria on Syrian children who were forced to give up their right to education to work to financially support their families. It also talks about the repercussions of the crisis and the human struggle for survival.
The film, produced by the National Film Organization, was scripted by Bouthaina Naissa. It stars Suleiman Al-Ahmad, Ghaleb Shandouba, Jamal Al-Ali, Sufouh Mimas and Etab Abu Saada.
Kalthoum told “Syria Times” that “Photograph” competed with 20 short films from Arab and African countries.
He said that the 43rd session of this prestigious festival selected important films from different countries and with diverse topics and it was honest in giving a contemporary image of one of the oldest continents in the world, without ignoring the contradictions and the wonders.
Kalthoum clarified that what distinguishes the film is its touching theme as well as the spontaneous performance of the heroes and most importantly its humanitarian topic.
“In general, Syrian cultural production is strongly competitive at both Arab and international cultural events,” Kalthoum added, pointing out that the film was made with love and passion.
Hamda Mustafa