5th edition · Human Rights

How to draw darkness?

Director: Lidija Zelovic · Country: Netherlands · Year: 2026 · Runtime: 13 min · Language: English


The documentary short film ‘How to draw darkness? a story from Syria' follows Akram Al Saud, a survivor of the Assad regime’s prison systems, and graphic artist Tobi Dahmen engaging in a series of interviews to create a graphic novel about Akram's life and experiences in Syria. Directed by filmmaker Lidija Zelović, the film features their conversations at local coffee shops in Amsterdam, where they frequently connected when getting to know each other. It is in contrast with the informal public café, that Akram shares his memories of the Assad regime’s vast system of arrest, imprisonment, and torture. With the camera often being used as a weapon against truth by the regime, this documentary is an important part of sharing what happened in Syria, and sharing Akram’s experiences through his collaboration with Tobi developing their graphic novel.


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This film record is part of the 5th Kaaffilm International Short Film Festival.

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Public record generated only from an approved festival publication projection.