Syrian TV series flourish despite conflict

Despite the current situation in Syria, Syrian TV series will continue to have a strong presence on Arabic channels for the Ramadan 2013 series, with 22 series slated for it. These shows include "Roznama" (Calendar) which details the daily life of university students, written by Seif Ridha Hamed and directed by Wasim al-Sayyed. Director Bassel al-Khatib is preparing to film his new show "Hadath fi Dimashq" (Happened in Damascus) which is adapted from the novel "Widad from Aleppo" by Qahtan Muhanna, which focuses on Syrian cities and its tribulations, development and growth. The working title of director Najdat Anzour's new series is "Taht Sama'a al-Watan" (Under the Homeland's Sky) which consists of ten separate three-episode stories which tackle the current crisis in Syria. The series "Aylih w Mkatra" (Super Family) is based on a script produced by a workshop of writers and is directed by Fadi Salim. Another prominent series is "Qamar al-Cham" (Moon of al-Cham) which is written by Mohammad Kheir al-Halabi and directed by Marwan Barakat. Director al-Muthana Sebeh will present a historical drama series about Damascus titled "Yasmin Atiq" (Old Jasmine) which tackles clashes between locals and feudal figures during the reign of Ibrahim Pasha. The series is written by Radwan Shibli. The series "Sarkhet Rouh" (A Soul's Scream) is another anthology series consisting of six five-episode stories written by Fadi Qushakji, Rania Bitar, Muwaffaq Masoud, Nadia al-Ahmar and Lama Ibrahim, tackling the issue of infidelity and betrayal. The series is directed by Naji Te'meh and Samer Barqawi. Director Ahmad Ibrhaim will present the second season of "Zaman al-Bargout" (Time of the Dime) from a script by Mohammad al-Zeid, while the series "Znoud al-Sett" (Ladyfingers), a show that combines drama and cooking, will also receive a second season  written by Razi Wardeh and directed by Tamer Is'hak. A Syrian-Lebanese coproduced comedy show titled "Niran Sadiqa" (Friendly Fire) has started filming last month, directed by Usama al-Hamd and written by Hazem Sleiman. Director Samir Hussein will present a new series titled "Ha'irat" (Confused) based on a script by Usama Kokash which features the stiroies of a group of women from different age groups and social backgrounds. The series "Sa'naoud Ba'ad Qalil" (We'll Be Right Back), directed by al-Laith Hajo and written by Rafi Wahbe, takes place in Syria and Lebanon, and it's currently being filmed in Damascus and Beirut. The series "al-Wilada min al-Khasira" (Birth from the Waist) is due to come back for a third season, written by Samer Radwan and directed by Rasha Sherbatji. Director Alaeddin Kokash is filming his new series "Tawk al-Banat" (Circle of Girls) which is written by Ahmad Hamed and takes place during the last days of the French Madate in Syria and the Syrian independence. Based on a script by Talal Mardini, director Mustafa al-Barqawi is filming the series "Fattat Lubat" while the series "Tahoun al-Shar" (Mill of Evil) will receive a second season directed by Naji  Te'meh and written by Marwan Qawouq. Director Samer Barqawi will also be presenting "Khawatem" (Rings) written by Abdelmajid Haidar based on a concept by Nadia al-Ahmar, while director al-Muthana Sebeh will present "Sukkar Wasat" (Medium Sweet) from a script by Mazen Taha which details the erosion of the middle class in Syrian society and the issue of corruption. The comedy "Qeta'a A'am Siyahi" (Tourist Public Sector) which is written by Mazen Taha will take place in a state-owned tourist resort in the Syrian coast, and director Mohammad Nasrallah and writer Shadi Kwian will present another comedy series titled "Kharazeh Zarqa" (Blue Bead). Finally, ABC production company will present a series titled "Dahaya" (Victims), but the company didn't release any details about it, and the director which will helm it could be Tamer Is'hak.