Banned film under Assad regime premieres in Syria for first time

A film once banned under the ousted Assad regime has finally premiered in Syria. The Bad Son, directed by renowned actor Gatfan Gannum, was screened for the first time in the country at the State Opera House in Damascus.

Strong public interest in historic premiere

The screening attracted significant attention from film enthusiasts, as The Bad Son was previously on the list of prohibited films during the Assad regime.

Many attendees expressed their excitement at witnessing a film that was once deemed too controversial to be shown.

Exposing the repression of the Assad regime

Filmed in 2024, The Bad Son delves into the oppression and brutality inflicted upon civilians during the rule of Hafez al-Assad and Bashar al-Assad. The movie sheds light on the regime’s widespread human rights abuses, a topic that was long considered taboo under Baathist rule.

Director Gannum shared his joy with Anadolu Agency (AA), saying, “I am incredibly happy that the film has finally been screened. Seeing so many people here today is a great pride for me.”

Milestone for Syrian cinema

Gannum had previously expressed his wish for Bad Son to be screened in Syria, emphasizing the importance of rekindling public interest in cinema.

“I have always wanted people to engage with films and support the industry. The enthusiasm shown by audiences today is truly inspiring,” he added.