Narratives of Today: Support Film Tours in Syria 2025 – 2026
- The Narratives of Today Initiative aims to strengthen the right of Syrian audiences to watch Syrian cinema produced in recent years, while enabling filmmakers to present their works to audiences of different backgrounds and in diverse locations. The initiative also seeks to broaden access to audiences in their local contexts and to create spaces for dialogue among Syrians about their conditions and priorities at this stage, inspired by the issues raised in Syrian cinema.
- The initiative provides financial resources ranging from €1,000 to €3,000, covering costs related to preparing screening and discussion venues, and/or part of local and international travel expenses, as well as any other necessary costs for the screenings.
- For more information about the Narratives of Today Initiative, please click here.
- A Q&A session will be held on December 17, 2025, at 12:00 PM (Damascus time) via Zoom. Information on how to join the session will be available on our platforms.
- For inquiries, please write to grants@ettijahat.org.
- Please make sure to complete all sections of the application process and prepare the required documents before filling out the form. These include: a copy of the applicant’s ID/passport, links to the film(s) intended for touring support, and any documents that may help the jury understand the components of the tour.
- Applications that do not meet the evaluation criteria in terms of content, as well as incomplete applications missing any of the required documents, will not be considered. For large video files, you may include a link to access the files within a PDF and upload it in the designated section.
- Please refrain from using AI applications while filling out the form.
- We recommend using browsers such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Brave when applying to any of Ettijahat’s programs, and kindly ensure a stable internet connection during the application process.
FAQS
Only the owners of projects that will be supported will be informed.
Evaluation committees consider submitted applications based on the following criteria:
- The screening tour proposal.
- The venue(s) where the tour takes place and the target audience.
- Feasibility in the proposal in terms of cost and tour pathway.
A specialized artistic committee consisting of three members studies eligible applications and selects projects to be supported in two stages: In the first, applications are studied by each committee member individually, without members knowing each other. The second is collective, where committee members meet after cross-referencing individual evaluation results to discuss the shortlist of proposed projects and select the projects to be supported.
Yes, you can join the open Q&A session about the application process that will be held on December 17, 2025, at 12:00 PM Damascus time. You can also contact us at grants@ettijahat.org at any time.
Yes, a confirmation message appears directly after sending the application on the same website through which the application was submitted.
If you are applying for cinema screening tours, we encourage you to apply to the Narratives of Today initiative. However, if the film screenings are accompanied by training workshops and other cinema-related activities, you can apply to the Naseej initiative.
The budget must be completed in euros to avoid exchange rate fluctuations.
Yes, applications without a clear budget will not be considered.
This is preferred so the jury committee can view it, and if this is not possible, you can send the film’s trailer.
Yes, the screening tour can include several films by multiple artists of diverse cinematic forms.
Yes, the Narratives of Today initiative supports projects that will be presented before the end of September 2026.
No, screenings must be completely free to the public.
Evaluation committees read only one application per applicant.
No, but the discussions must be a main part of the film screenings, in terms of the screening venue and technical screening conditions: sound, image, screen, electricity availability, safety, etc. These discussions can take the form of a Q&A session and can also include speakers.
No, as long as technical conditions allow for good discussions via the internet.
Not necessarily, as long as the proposed discussion that follows is suitable for providing space for dialogue.
Not necessarily. These discussions can be with filmmakers and/or with any figures working in the public sphere with the condition that speaking with them will provide opportunities to broaden discussions with the audience.
The goal of the Narratives of Today initiative is to provide opportunities for enhancing dialogue and thinking using the arts, therefore, discussions are an essential part of the programming.
The applicant is responsible, and this is a primary condition for receiving support.
The application form must be submitted in Arabic exclusively, whilst attachments may be in any other language.
Yes, provided you submit documents indicating your ability to secure the remaining budget.
Those currently receiving support from other Ettijahat programmes are not eligible to apply, whilst those who completed their grants before the end of 2023 may apply.
Yes, up to 60% of the budget can be used to cover travel costs for those outside Syria, provided this does not affect the budget for designing the screening tour.
Yes, up to 50% of the budget can be used to cover travel costs within Syria.
There is no specific number, but the Narratives of Today initiative does not support single screenings—the minimum is two screenings. There is no specific number for audience size as long as the screenings are public.
No, the applicant can be inside Syria or outside it.
The Narratives of Today initiative welcomes and encourages screenings that reach new or artistically marginalized audiences, such as screenings in public spaces, camps, and alternative venues.
The requirement is reaching audiences, even if this is in your city of residence.
Yes.
Filmmakers and/or producers, regardless of their location are eligible to apply. Applications can also be received from cinema club owners and groups, and cultural spaces. Residents within Syria can apply to this initiative if they wish to organize screening tours within their cities of residence or in other cities.
Applications are accepted until midnight on January 15, 2026, Damascus time. Applications received after this date will not be considered.