In the wake of unimaginable loss, three Syrian refugees turn to their love of Sufi music.
Inspired by the traditional sacred music of Syria, filmmaker Amar Chebib travelled to Damascus and Aleppo in 2010. Six months later the revolution began, escalating into a bloody civil war and the largest humanitarian crisis of our time. Touched by the harrowing experiences of the friends he made, Wajd transformed into the stories of three musicians turned refugees.
Over five years, we witness the struggles of Ibrahim, Abdulwahed, and Mohamed as they face their traumatic past. Forced to rebuild their lives in exile, they turn to their love of music to help them find meaning in the aftermath of destruction and atrocity. Intimate footage of their daily lives weaves together with bittersweet musical performances, extremely rare Sufi ceremonies, and poetic imagery of a pre-war Syria that no longer exists. What unfolds is a cinematic meditation on loss, yearning, and faith.
A facilitated audience discussion of the film will follow the screening. Food and refreshments will be provided.
Amar Chebib biography (Director/Producer/Cinematographer/Editor): Syrian-Canadian filmmaker Amar Chebib began making videos in his youth while growing up between the Middle East and North America. He attended the Vancouver Film School and has since made various award-winning short films, music videos, and commercials around the world. Amar is currently based in Vancouver and works globally through his production company, Luminus Films. Wajd is his first feature length documentary.
Film website: www.wajdfilm.com
This event is co-sponsored by the Ethnomusicology program in the School of Music, the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, the Middle East Area and Islamic Studies Librarian, and the Global Arts + Humanities Discovery Theme.
