A scene from Talal Derki's documentary Return to Homs. Proaction Film
A scene from Talal Derki's documentary Return to Homs. Proaction Film

Sundance documentary winner Return to Homs sheds light on Syrian conflict



The director of a Syrian documentary that scooped a top prize at the Sundance Film Festival says his film pays tribute to the “steadfastness” of the besieged city of Homs.

The movie Return to Homs was awarded the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize for a documentary at the prestigious American film festival last week.

Talal Derki’s film tracks the evolution of the Syrian uprising from peaceful protests to an entrenched, brutal war that has killed more than 130,000 people.

“Homs was nicknamed the capital of the revolution because of the strength of the protests and the peaceful movement there,” says Derki.

Born in Damascus in 1977, Derki decided to focus on Homs, Syria’s third city, because it was a magnet for activists and protesters in the early days of the uprising that broke out in March 2011.

He followed two young Syrians, Abdel-Basset Al Sarout, a goalkeeper who became the city’s most popular singer of protest songs, and Osama Al Homsi, a university student-turned-media activist. But as Bashar Al Assad’s regime reacts to the protests with violence, the pair respond differently.

“One of them took up weapons and the other remained peaceful up until his arrest, after which there was no news of him,” says Derki.

Al Sarout is seen commanding rebel forces, while Al Homsi remains unarmed, documenting the plight of his hometown.

Derki, who is now based on the Turkish side of the border with Syria, is working on another documentary about the war in Syria.

He says he believes films can “bring us together” and that the reaction to Return to Homs had been overwhelmingly positive, especially in the US.

"Even those who don't know the slightest bit about the conflict in Syria saw everything clearly," he says. "There are people who came out of the cinema and said: we have brothers in Syria who we didn't understand properly until now. They need us to stand by them, even if it is with words." – AFP

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THE LIGHT

Director: Tom Tykwer

Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger

Rating: 3/5

The specs

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While you're here
Day 2, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance

Moment of the day Dinesh Chandimal has inherited a challenging job, after being made Sri Lanka’s Test captain. He responded in perfect fashion, with an easy-natured century against Pakistan. He brought up three figures with a majestic cover drive, which he just stood and admired.

Stat of the day – 33 It took 33 balls for Dilruwan Perera to get off the mark. His time on zero was eventful enough. The Sri Lankan No 7 was given out LBW twice, but managed to have both decisions overturned on review. The TV replays showed both times that he had inside edged the ball onto his pad.

The verdict In the two previous times these two sides have met in Abu Dhabi, the Tests have been drawn. The docile nature of proceedings so far makes that the likely outcome again this time, but both sides will be harbouring thoughts that they can force their way into a winning position.

BIO

Favourite holiday destination: Turkey - because the government look after animals so well there.

Favourite film: I love scary movies. I have so many favourites but The Ring stands out.

Favourite book: The Lord of the Rings. I didn’t like the movies but I loved the books.

Favourite colour: Black.

Favourite music: Hard rock. I actually also perform as a rock DJ in Dubai.