Damascus, SANA – International Syrian actor Jihad Abdo emphasized that cinema is not a luxury, but rather a pivotal national tool for building awareness and creating change. He considers it a mirror of diversity, a true voice for the people, and essential for reshaping national identity.

This came in a press statement made by Abdo following the decision issued by the Syrian Minister of Culture, Mr. Mohammad Yassin Saleh, appointing him as Director of the General Cinema Organization. This decision is part of a plan to develop cultural institutions and rebuild the cinema sector on new foundations based on efficiency and independence. Abdo will become the organization’s first director in the post-liberation era.

Abdo emphasized that cinema has the ability to build bridges between cultures and breathe life into suppressed stories. He added, “We will work to ensure that cinema is not a tool of power or a means of marginalizing identities.” He called for a cinematic industry that soars in the skies of Syria in all its diversity, portraying to the world the image of a nation pulsating with talent, stories, and human energies.

Abdo was born in Damascus in 1962, After returning from Romania graduating from the Faculty of Civil Engineering, he studied acting at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts, and went on to star in dozens of Syrian and Arab television productions. He also appeared in three short films addressing refugee issues that reached the Oscars race, as well as in international films alongside some of the world’s biggest stars.

Adnan / Manar