Syrian actor Duraid Laham was recently in Lebanon to show that art is stronger than politics and that the bond that connects nations cannot be broken by political disputes.
According to the London based Elaph, Duraid revealed that his love for Lebanon is not only based on the fact that his mother is Lebanese, he also considers himself ‘a loyal Arab.’ The connection between Lebanese and Syrian citizens is strong, and in most cases family ties holds the two nations together despite disputes between government officials, he added.
Duraid expressed his concern that disputes between Syria and Lebanon may escalate, and people of the two nations will fall victims to deception. He prays the youth of each nation will have the wisdom not to engage in senseless violence.
Laham was in Cairo for the grand premier of his latest film "Al Aba’ Al Sighar" (Young Parents), which he wrote and directed. The film stars Duraid and young Egyptian actor Hannan Turk.
Duraid made several public appearances to promote his film, the first being an interview with Egyptian journalist and television broadcaster Hala Sarhan.
The film is being screened at the Journalist Union so that critics may give it a proper review.
The story revolves around a simple family, the father a policeman attending evening classes to earn his bachelor’s degree, and the mother a hotel worker. Tragedy hits when the mother passes away, and the father is forced to provide for the family on his own.
The children immediately begin helping their father by preparing a room in the house to rent for extra money. The room is rented to an Egyptian researcher for UNESCO played by Hannan.
Hannan becomes close to the father, and the children fear she will try and take the place of their mother.
The film, suitable for families, features a number of traditional songs, sung in a modern style, and was shot on location in the suburbs of Damascus.
