Cinema Binaa Returns with an Exclusive Screening of The Immortal Sergeant

On Sunday, January 19, 2025, Cinema Binaa resumed its activities with a special screening of the Syrian documentary The Immortal Sergeant, which had never been shown in Syria before. Today, Cinema Binaa proudly presents the film to Syrian audiences for the first time. 
Directed by Ziad Kalthoum, The Immortal Sergeant is a powerful visual testimony that captures daily life in Damascus during the early years of the war, offering a deeply personal perspective on compulsory military service. Shot on a simple mobile phone camera, the film became a raw expression of the fears and revolutionary spirit of Syrians. The soundtrack was composed not of orchestral music, but of the sounds of explosions, military aircraft, and the ever-present hum of conflict—revealing not just the devastation of Damascus and its countryside, but the deep scars left on the people as well. 
Following the screening, the director joined the audience in a captivating discussion via video call. Kalthoum shared that the film represents his "last Syrian memory" before he defected from the army and fled to Lebanon, eventually going into exile. He also reflected on the duality of his life during the filming process—living as a reserve soldier by day and an assistant director by night—an irony that mirrors the complexities of the Syrian reality. 
This screening marks the 10th anniversary of Cinema Binaa's first film screening, reaffirming its commitment to showcasing thought-provoking films that inspire dialogue and reflection.