Syria has been through a prolonged period of instability following the fall of the old regime in 2011. Now, over a decade later, the country’s political situation remains uncertain, filled with communities sharing opposing opinions and multiple political power centers framed by years of conflict.
On the bright side, the people of Syria want to rise from the ashes and move on to a future shaped by their stories, not a future shaped by regimes or politics. Over the course of 3 months, our local production crew in Syria worked on a project supporting a TV show for a German client. The purpose was to understand the different perspectives of the locals – those who were happy that the regime had fallen and those who were not happy about it.
Given that Syria is considered a high-risk country, we had to take extra precautionary measures to ensure the safety of all team members, all while ensuring the project stayed on schedule, meeting the needs and expectations of the client.
Production support in a high-risk country
Offering production support in a high-risk country involves more than handling logistics. It calls for strong local knowledge, cultural awareness, and the capacity to adapt to the contradictory opinions and political views of the people.
From the beginning, we knew that the project would pose challenges. And yet, we had the determination and the faith to keep going. From choosing filming spots and coordinating the crews to building trust with the locals, we focused on telling authentic stories that reflected reality.
Behind the scenes: What didn’t go as planned
The most challenging part of the project was the subject itself. Politically sensitive topics are difficult, especially in areas where freedom of speech is limited, and earning the trust of the locals is tough. Thankfully, we were fortunate enough to have a reliable local crew in Syria who had the expertise to handle such a delicate subject without creating any tension.
An additional challenge was that we had to get approval to shoot in Saydnaya prison, one of the most notorious in the country. Furthermore, managing proper communication with our client was crucial. Their main concern was safety. For them to feel safe, we had to ensure constant coordination and 24/7 support at every step.
Our approach: shoot preparations and production support
We reached out to our local team of fixers with hands-on expertise in managing sensitive production projects. Following an initial brief of the goal and client expectations, we moved on to securing the permits necessary to start shooting. We then focused on securing the filming permits and conducting thorough research to gain access to all key locations and confirm our interview partners. We had the opportunity to interview high-profile militant fighters, local Syrian residents who share different opinions regarding the country’s political situation, as well as prisoners in Saydnaya prison, and a Minister.
Our fixers went to extreme lengths to provide us with access to crucial information for the TV show. We’re thankful for the chance we got to shoot the realities happening on the ground, the political perspectives of the people, and the overall complexity of a country still trying to shape a brighter future.
The impact of our work
Managing a production project for our German client Gruppe 5 on Syrian soil was one of the most challenging production projects our team has had. In general, shooting in high-risk countries calls for extreme attention to every detail, planning, research, filming permits, visas, overcoming bureaucracy, managing security protocols, and crew safety are all important steps in the process that we must abide by.
The fact that we had support from local fixers in Syria was a crucial aspect of the project. Our client’s crew felt safe, despite the political context, and together, we managed to capture the raw and authentic opinions of the people living in Syria following the fallout of the regime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Syria have a film industry?
Yes, it does. Although the civil war of 2011 disrupted Syria’s film industry, the country has managed to stay afloat. It has its very own National Film Organization, established in 1963, and despite many filmmakers still facing censorship, numerous Syrian films gained global awareness.
To summarize, Syria has gone through various obstacles in terms of filmmaking, but it has succeeded in creating meaningful productions that resonate with national and international viewers.
What does Syria produce the most in terms of film, media, or cultural content?
Most types of content filmed by Syrian producers involve documentaries, short films, and political dramas. Because there’s a lot of censorship and state control, local filmmakers often collaborate with independent producers to help them tell their stories in a very honest and authentic way.
There are strict rules concerning radio shows or TV broadcasting, and as a result, many independent media outlets offer platforms where the locals can benefit from unbiased video content, such as documentaries or short films.
Which Arab country has the strongest film industry?
Egypt is known as “The Hollywood of the Middle East”. With thousands of films produced, the country focuses on narratives that address national politics, culture, and social justice. Egypt’s most prestigious film event is the Cairo International Film Festival, founded in 1976, which features films from 60+ countries, offers a mix of African and Arab films.
In second place, we have Saudi Arabia, a country that lifted its 35-year cinema ban in 2018. Ever since, Saudi Arabia has focused on investing in building a solid film infrastructure with initiatives such as the Red Sea International Film Festival.
Is Youtube allowed in Syria?
Syria’s old regime (Bashar al-Assad) fell in December 2024, making room for new rules and regulations in terms of video content. Between 2011 and 2024, the country’s government officials closed all internet networks. But it is estimated that Syrian locals will soon regain their digital freedom on YouTube and other social media platforms.
Is it safe to go through Syria?
Traveling to Syria remains risky, and people are not advised to go alone. There’s still civil unrest and an ongoing conflict between people who worshiped the old regime and those who now consider themselves free. As a consequence, the country’s security and political situation remain unstable.
How safe is it for a film crew to operate in Syria today?
Syria has a volatile security situation, with unpredictable events that can happen at any time. This means film crews must take extra precautionary measures before, during, and after a shoot. In the absence of clear rules and regulatory frameworks as far as filming is concerned, it is unsafe for foreigners to do on-the-ground work without local assistance.
Any type of media activity in the country demands careful contingency planning and a detailed evaluation of the risks involved.
What kind of permits or approvals are required to film in Syria?
Although the new regime has introduced some reforms, securing film permits in Syria remains challenging. The first step is to book an appointment with the Ministry of Information and get a mandatory filming permit.
According to government officials, the application process is difficult and bureaucratic, meaning that the best alternative is to collaborate with a local production fixer in the area. Furthermore, all foreign film crews require visas to enter Syria, which can be obtained in advance from the Syrian embassy.
What areas are accessible for foreign media, and which remain off-limits?
Damascus and Aleppo are two major cities that are more accessible for foreign media crews. International journalists have reported several political events in these areas.
Additional areas include Northeast Syria because it has an autonomous administration. On the downside, restricted areas include the Northern Territories (Tel Rifaat, Afrin, Shehba), and the Coastal Provinces of Tartus and Latakia.
Is there freedom to interview civilians and cover daily life without state interference?
There’s more freedom now than there was before the fall of Syria’s old regime. However, interviewing civilians must be done with ethical responsibility. Before any interview begins, it is important to get their informed consent while abiding by the cultural and political norms of the country.
What logistical challenges should a crew expect when filming in post-conflict zones?
Several challenges a film crew can expect when filming in Syria are the unstable environment, restricted areas, delays in securing permits, transportation, and infrastructure limitations such as sudden power cuts or unreliable internet connections.
To overcome these challenges, the best solutions are to partner with local professionals who can help foreign crews navigate Syria’s cultural sensitivity, taboos, political scenario, and overall bureaucracy.
Are there any safety protocols or insurance requirements for international teams?
Before planning a trip to Syria to shoot any type of video content, make sure to assess the risks involved with filming in your preferred locations. This includes health, security, and political challenges. Once everything is set up, get in touch with your consulate/embassy, as you might have to register before being allowed in a post-conflict country.
Additional safety protocols include HEAT training, which helps improve personal security, covering negotiation techniques, first aid support under fire, and additional survival tactics in unsafe situations. Upon arriving in a high-risk country such as Syria, contact local fixers to get a local security brief.
Every member of the filming crew should also have satellite phones, GPS trackers, a first aid kit, and a safety location established beforehand in case the team needs to split up while on the field.
