Under the Sky of Damascus

Production year: 2023
Country: Syria
Directors: Talal Derki, Heba Khaled & Ali Wajeeh
Producers: Sigrid Dyekjær, Talal Derki, Heba Khaled & Beth Earl

Everyday life in Syria is not only marked by years of war but also by internalised misogyny and violence against women both within the family and in the workplace. It is not discussed, and harassment seems to be a commonplace expression of authority. Many women are pathologised and admitted to psychiatric wards, and even extreme abuse is rarely reported.

In Damascus, a collective of young women actors comes together to research the topic. They plan to use the moving anonymous statements of countless women to create a stage play that will break taboos. But Eliana, Inana, Farah, Grace and Souhir face resistance – from their families and even during discussions within the group itself. When their feminist project suddenly encounters unexpected hurdles, their enthusiasm is put to its toughest test yet.