‘Return to Homs’ Ayam Beirut Al Cinema’iya Arab Film Festival 2015

Since 2001, Ayam Beirut Al Cinema’iya has promoted Independent Lebanese and Arab films, and encouraged young talents to lend their imagination to the big screen.

This unique Arab film festival brings together over 200 professionals and students from Lebanon and the region, in addition to international professionals and stars. In additions to films, the festival hosts many workshops, roundtables and networking sessions.

About the Movie
Filmed over three years in Homs, Syria, the film accompanies two unique young men from when they are dreaming of freedom and calling for pacifism to when circumstances force to make different choices. Basset, the 19-year-old goalkeeper for the national football team, turns into an iconic demonstration leader and singer – and later a fighter. Ossama, a 24-year-old, well-known cameraman who is critical, pacifist and sarcastic, has a change of heart when he is detained by the regime security forces.

About the Director
Born in Damascus 1977, Talal Derki is a Syrian filmmaker who studied film directing in Athens. He has made two short fiction films and five documentaries. His films Azadi and Lajat were both made during the Syrian revolution and screened under alias names before Talal decided to leave Syria with his family. He also worked intensively as a video reporter for important agencies and outlets. Talal is also a published poet.