06/03/2012

Berlinale 2012 - World Cinema Fund - Focus Syria - Part II: Mohammad Ali Atassi, Filmmaker, Journalist (Syria/Lebanon)

“I think that the major [weapon] today used by the activists is the cell phone cameras”

Events and Festivals, Syria

Syrian and Lebanese filmmaker and journalist Mohamed Ali Atassi spoke on the panel "Focus Syria," organised on February 15, during World Cinema Fund Day, in partnership with Euromed Audiovisual, together with Hala Al Alabdallah and Alaa Karkouti.

“I don’t think that the Syrian people will give up,” he said.  “I know for the mass media, especially in Europe, it is very important – sorry to say it – that the white men go and cover what is happening in the rest of Europe. Then it is easy for the viewers in Europe and United States to identify themselves to the reporters, white men, talking the same language, having the same references and try to report what is happening. Today it is different, it is the Syrian activists themselves, they are filming, shooting and talking to the rest of the world.”

“I think that the major [weapon] today used by the activists is the cell phone cameras. We are able to show the rest of the world what is happening.”

Video in English.

 

Berlinale 2012 - World Cinema Fund - Focus Syria - More videos:

• Part I - Dieter Kosslick - Berlinale Director
• Part III: Hala Al Alabdallah, Filmmaker, Producer, Activist (Syria/France)
• Part IV: Alaa Karkouti, Film Journalist (Syria/Egypt)
• Part V: Questions & Answers