Peace Lens– Art for Social Change
Peace Lens is an independent youth-led initiative launched in 2015 to strengthen Syria’s visual identity and promote peaceful expression through documentary filmmaking and art. I worked for five years as the Creative Director of the project, during which I helped develop Lens of Peace into an inclusive platform. I designed workshops that brought together participants from diverse cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds across Syria, and ensured the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in all project activities. This inclusive vision enabled Peace Lens to build a remarkable partnership with UNDP Syria—one that went beyond funding to include shared goals and joint implementation strategies. The project started with training sessions in: Documentary filmmaking (screenwriting, cinematography, editing) Photography and visual storytelling Peacebuilding through media and rebuilding trust between youth from different regions of Syria
A turning point for me came after I completed my film “The Tunnel” in 2013, which documented the lives of 20 displaced families living in an unfinished tunnel along the waterfront in Tartous. The film was screened across several Syrian cities and featured in 10 international film festivals.
This experience inspired me to co-found Peace Lens, creating a platform for youth to express themselves creatively, connect with their communities, and break down stereotypes through film and visual art.