Al-Monitor | Rohollah Faghihi: Iranian director Ebrahim Hatamikia's "Damascus Time” is the first major Iranian film about the country's presence in Syria. Ever since its first screening at Iran’s Fajr International Film Festival in February, the film has caused controversy, both for its take on the subject and its artistic value.


“Damascus Time” narrates the story of an Iranian cargo plane that leaves Tehran for Syria. The time frame is unclear, but the focus is on the efforts of the Iranian volunteers who are fighting against the Islamic State (IS) in Syria. While on a mission to deliver humanitarian goods, the two pilots are caught by IS fighters and held captive. The film was recorded at different air bases in Iran as well as in Damascus, and includes several scenes showing IS fighters beheading hostages and depicts the propaganda work of terrorists.

At the festival in Fajr, the film won awards for best director and best soundtrack. But like many of Hatamikia's films, “Damascus Time” is controversial, both in terms of subject and point of view.

Read more here