FREE SYRIA?

ONE MONTH WITHOUT THE AL-ASSAD REGIME

RSI – SSR (12 MIN)

Guarda il film completo in italiano (12min)

Watch the full film on YouTube – multi-language captions (12min)

On 8 December 2024, the al-Assad regime suddenly collapsed under the thrust of rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

After five decades of an oppressive regime, Syrians incredulously rediscovered a freedom that had been missing for generations.

The report, filmed in Damascus in January 2025, collects the testimonies of worshippers who can once again access the Great Umayyad Mosque.

It follows Damascenes on Mount Qasioun, the mountain overlooking the city, once again a place for lovers and family picnics after access had been forbidden for years.

In the suburb of Daraya, the report meets those who are trying to move back, among entire blocks literally reduced to rubble.

The HTS forces controlling the city’s security are showing themselves friendly to citizens and the foreign press in a clear seduction operation.

Meanwhile, in some cafés, dissidents back from Turkey or Europe discuss what future awaits Syria under the leadership of Ahmed al-Sharaa, the HTS leader who poses as the new strongman.

JANUARY 2025

Direction
Davide Mattei, Julien Goudichaud

Cinematography
Julien Goudichaud

Editing
Julien Goudichaud, Davide Mattei

Production
Mammut Productions