The Syrian Arts and Culture Festival has begun in London, a new multidisciplinary event exhibiting the country’s creative abilities.
The festival, which runs until February 4, brings together established and upcoming artists, filmmakers, performers, and musicians to provide audiences with alternate narratives and perspectives on Syria, its people, and its culture.
The SACF is a collaboration between Zamakan, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for artists, cultural workers, and creatives from West Asia and North Africa, and Marsm, a London-based events business.
SACF is a translation of the Arabic word saqf, which means roof or ceiling and can also refer to something’s limit. The event “aspires to provide a creative forum where limits can be pushed and boundaries are shattered,” according to the website.
The festival opened with two solo performances by Ayman Jarjour, a renowned Syrian classical guitarist, and Faris Ishaq, a Palestinian ney (a sort of flute) expert.
Screenings of Syrian filmmaker Omar Amiralay’s films, a traditional cooking workshop, and a performance by Syrian musician Ibrahim Keivo are among the upcoming events.