Palestinian Syrian musician Aeham Ahmad rose to prominence singing songs of peace in the rubble of Palestinian refugee camp Yarmouk, on the outskirts of #Damascus.
Surrounded by war, starvation and mass displacement, he wheeled out his piano onto the streets of his beloved hometown and performed beautiful songs to bring hope and solace to those remaining in Yarmouk and in Syria – particularly the children who would join him in his message.
After many months of the siege to #Yarmouk, fighters invaded and destroyed his piano and fearing for his and his family’s lices he finally fled – first to Turkey and then to Germany.
In this 18-minute short documentary – innovatively combining animated sequences with performance footage – Ahmad tells the story of his life in Yarmouk, the long and dangerous journey to Europe, and his hopes for the future. Please note: this a preview screening of a work-in-progress and the final cut of the documentary will be released online in June.
The screening is followed by a live Q&A with the filmmakers and Ahmad himself, joining us via Skype. Arabic language with English subtitles.
There will be an introduction from the filmmakers, followed by screening of the documentary, followed by an opportunity to discuss the project with the filmmakers and the subject of the film during a live Q&A.
Line up:
Vikram Ahluwalia (producer, director)
Daniel Murtha (lead animator, photography)
Aeham Ahmad (the pianist of Yarmouk)
Aser El Saqqa (Arts Canteen) – moderator
RSVP ESSENTIAL.
WHEN
Monday, 9 May 2016 from 20:00 to 22:30 (BST)
WHERE
Rich Mix – 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA