Nour Al-Ahmad
Raqqa — In a world where imagination merges with reality, and stories are woven from the suffering of nations and the dreams of individuals, stand figures who have turned art into a message and cinema into a voice for truth. Among them is Syrian filmmaker Intisar Hazim, who has managed to transcend intellectual and societal boundaries, proving that women have a pioneering place in the cinematic industry.
Intisar Hazim’s experience serves as an inspiring model for women’s empowerment in cinema. She successfully broke through conventional stereotypes by engaging in screenwriting and directing, eventually becoming a film trainer at the national level in Syria. Through her works, she has employed cinematic art as a tool to voice truth and mirror reality.
Portraying Her Country’s Reality
With ink, facial expressions, and physical gestures, Intisar Hazim, a native of Homs, has portrayed the reality of her homeland and the repercussions of war on society and women — experiences she herself has lived through. This personal connection has made her an inspiration for women seeking creativity and progress.
Speaking about her beginnings in the world of cinema, she said:
“Since childhood, I’ve had a passion for reading stories and novels. I always had a different perspective — I could read between the lines. In my twenties, I discovered my talent and began my artistic journey by writing short stories and screenplays, some of which I submitted to the General Organization for Screenwriting. I also participated in several literary festivals in Damascus in 2022.”
Encouraged by her father, she later gravitated toward writing and directing, continuing to refine her craft.
On the main challenges she faced, Intisar explained that she encountered many obstacles rooted in social traditions that viewed her work with suspicion — especially in a male-dominated field. Despite the difficulty of asserting herself in this environment, she refused to yield and pursued her dream with determination.
Her Cinematic Works
Hazim has directed two short films produced by the General Organization for Cinema in Damascus:
- Closed Windows
- The Taste of Water

Both are part of a series titled The Current Reality, shedding light on the consequences of the Syrian crisis and the people’s suffering.
“I participated in several artistic festivals, including the Khoutout (Steps) Film Festival, the Damascus Opera House Festival, and the Arab Creators Oscars Festival in Egypt. I won several awards, notably Best Director for Closed Windows and Best Screenplay for The Taste of Water,” she noted.
Her writing often delves into psychology, human studies, and women’s issues across various life stages.
“Cinema is a Part of Me”
“I’m always keen to choose topics that touch real life. That’s why most of my works focus on the Syrian crisis, which I refer to as The Current Reality. Through it, I aim to highlight the challenges faced by both men and women and convey these stories to the entire world.”
Intisar considers cinema an inseparable part of her identity:
“My relationship with cinema is profound — we complete each other. I can’t live without it, nor without reading stories and novels. Without them, I feel an inner void. They’re my joy, my world, my life.”
She explained that writing any screenplay may take a year or more:
“It requires time, patience, and focus. Every film has its own duration depending on its complexity. Cinema plays a vital role in conveying truth — it’s not merely a reflection of life, but an art that adds intellectual and cultural depth and gives it beauty and soul.”
According to Hazim, every cinematic or literary work begins with a strong script, which forms its backbone. Then comes directing, which adds thought, emotion, and vision to bring it vividly to life. For that reason, she constantly educates herself by reading more scripts and watching films to refine her artistic sensibility.
“A Catalyst for Thought and Positive Change”
Reflecting on her journey, she said:
“Cinema isn’t just for entertainment. It’s a catalyst for intellectual awakening, positive change, and the transformation of outdated social concepts. Every film conveys a message and a lesson.”
Through her experience, Intisar has succeeded in changing society’s perception of women working in the field of screenwriting and directing.
“My experience has helped shift that view. I’ve inspired many women around me. Cinema, regardless of the type or theme, has a deep influence — especially on Syrian women, who have borne the brunt of the crisis, whether as mothers, daughters, or young women. These films give voice to every woman who has a story to tell.”
She aspires to further develop the cinematic and screenwriting fields in Syria through her work as a trainer:
“I noticed the importance that the Autonomous Administration places on art and culture, which encouraged me to come to North and East Syria to provide training in filmmaking.”
Intisar concluded:
“I encourage everyone with a talent for writing or filmmaking to discover and nurture it. Don’t let it remain hidden. Especially for women — art gives them a voice. Wherever there is art, there is womanhood.”