Dreams of the City

Dreams of the City (Ahlam el Madina), 1984

Syria | DVD, Color, 120’ | Arabic
Director: Mohamed Malas

Dib is a young boy who leaves Quneitra with his mother and brother after the death of his father. The child is surprised when his grandfather, a grumpy old man he hadn’t met before, is reluctant to offer them lodging.Dreams of the City tells the story of how Dib comes of age against the backdrop of both social and political transformation in the streets of Damascus, which played a determining role in Syria’s future. This first feature film by Mohammed Malas, not only tells a personal story of psychological growth, it also keeps a record of Syria’s history through many characters who have very different relationships with this history.

Past Programs
Neighbour Next Door
April 24–May 11, 2014