A video recording of this program is now available on the Explore Content section of this website.
“When we see the chaos of war on television, it’s easy to ask, “Why didn’t you leave beforehand? What kept you?” Kaadan’s beautiful cinematic tale—part mother-and-son story, part road movie, and completely a film—speaks to this and more using the metaphor of a shadow, something we all believe will always be there, as a symbol of broken realities.”—Kaleem Aftab
Sister filmmaking duo Soudade and Amira Kaadan will introduce the premiere of their first feature film, the first Syrian film to screen at the Venice Film Festival, The Day I Lost My Shadow (2018), at The Media Majlis at Northwestern University in Qatar. Afterwards, they will be on hand for a Q&A discussion.
FILM SYNOPSIS: Syria, 2012. During the coldest winter the country has witnessed, all Sana (portrayed by Sawsan Arsheed), dreams of is cooking gas to prepare a meal for her son. She takes a day off from her job to search for a gas cylinder and suddenly finds herself stuck in an besieged area. It is then that, she discovers that people lose their shadows during war.
The Day I Lost My Shadow, written and directed by Soudade Kaadan, produced by Amira Kaadan. Arabic with English subtitles; color; 90mins.
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Venue accessibility
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Simultaneous translation
Simultaneous translation (Arabic/English) is provided for all programs.
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Wheelchair accessibility
The Projection Theatre is fully wheelchair accessible and features multiple wheelchair spaces with unobstructed views of the stage and screen.
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Sign Language interpretation
Sign Language interpretation (ASL and ArSL) may be requested for talks, discussions, lectures and tours. Please contact the museum well in advance of the program to discuss this service. You are welcome to bring an interpreter with you—please let us know ahead of time and we will ensure that appropriate seating is reserved. A program ticket does not need to be purchased for an interpreter providing prior notification of their attendance at a specific program is provided to the museum.
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Wifi
Free wifi access is available in the building. On your mobile device, with wifi switched on, select Guest-NUQ-Majlis from the available services and accept the terms of service to connect.
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Program credits
Soudade Kaadan
Soudade Kaadan is a Syrian film director and screenwriter. Her first feature, The Day I Lost My Shadow (2018), set in the outbreak of the civil war in 2012, was the first Syrian film to be screened at the Venice Film Festival. The film went on to win the Lion of the Future Luigi Laurentiis Award for a Debut Film. She has directed and produced several documentary films for organizations including Al Jazeera Documentary Channel, UNICEF and UNHCR. One of her documentaries, Obscure (2017), explores the life of a 6-year old Syrian refugee in a Lebanese camp. Along with her sister, Amira, she founded KAF Production.
Amira Kaadan
Amira Kaadan is the producer of The Day I Lost My Shadow (2018)—her first feature film as delegate producer. Along with her sister Soudade she founded KAF Production, a company that was born out of necessity in order to make documentary films in a country which is primarily focused on producing television series. KAF-produced documentary films include Two Cities and a Prison (2008), Obscure (2017), and the Al Jazeera documentary Damascus Roof and Tales of Paradise (2010). On these films Kaadan served as assistant producer and got her start in the industry.