Syrians perplexed by appointment of Tunisian as TV drama chief

A Tunisian national has been appointed by President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s administration as the head of Syria’s famed drama industry, raising eyebrows among Syrians given the depth of domestic talent in the field.

Marouane El Hossein, who was named the new chairman of the Syrian Drama Committee this week, and a well-known figure in Syria’s drama scene.

But his promotion has been criticised by some on social media, who questioned why Damascus didn’t appoint a Syrian given the country’s long and rich history in creating critically-acclaimed television series, as well as boasting some of the Arab world’s best-known actors and directors.

“Syria is full of great and ancient competencies, experiences, and artistic figures, especially in this field. Why should we bring in foreigners?” one Facebook user wrote.

“Does this mean they couldn’t find someone from Syria?” another user added.

According to Syria’s state news agency SANA, the committee is formed by the minister of information, and its members are selected from figures in the film and television industry, including unions and syndicates.

Some Syrians defended the decision to appoint El Hossein, stressing that one’s nationality has nothing to do with their talent.

“Professor Marouane El Hussein is a competent person who we are honoured to have among us. He loves Syrian drama more than many of us, and through my dealings with him, I never felt for a moment that he was Tunisian, but rather Syrian to the core,” Mansour Deeb wrote.

“[What] we have witnessed from him so far is that he is a practical person who contributes to bring[ing] together the visions of artists and others on national issues that concern us all,” another Syrian added.

Syrian director Al-Laith Hajjo has reportedly praised El Hossein for facilitating the production of his series ‘The Hero’, which is currently being broadcast this Ramadan.

El Hossein isn’t the first Tunisian to hold a high position in the Syrian entertainment industry with Chawki Merji, a renowned Tunisian director, working extensively in the Syrian film and television industry, as well as in Egypt.

Syria, ravaged by over a decade of civil war, is currently undergoing a transitionary period following the toppling of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December last year.

The country is looking to rebuild its collapsed economic, cultural, and political scenes after years of war and censorship, but faces challenges such as sectarian tensions, attacks by remnants of the Assad regime, and suffocating Western sanctions.

Prior to the war, Syria’s drama output was one of the most prolific in the Arabic-speaking world, with the country producing 30 to 50 series per year.

Despite many of the productions receiving critical acclaim – including the period drama Bab Al-Hara – creativity was often stifled by state censorship and a lack of funding during the war years.

There is also a split in the industry between those who supported Bashar Al-Assad and other actors and directors who strongly opposed his regime.