Syrian film collective Abounaddara rejects Venice Biennale award, alleges censorship
The Syrian film group Abounaddara turned down a Special Mention from the Venice Biennale, citing issues with censorship. Their film 'All Syria's Future' was intended to be screened during the opening days of the 2015 Biennale but ultimately was not presented. Although they received a Special Mention, they chose to decline it. In their statement, Abounaddara revealed that they nearly withdrew in February 2015 due to questions regarding the content of their short films, which address ongoing events in Syria. They agreed to participate after receiving assurances about their approach, but their film was omitted from the Arena program on May 5. On May 8, they learned of a weekly screening plan that violated their agreement. Artpress published Abounaddara's complete statement.
Key facts
- Abounaddara is a Syrian film collective.
- Their film 'All Syria's Future' was made for the 2015 Venice Biennale.
- The film was scheduled for the Arena program within Okwui Enwezor's exhibition 'All the World's Future'.
- The film was never shown during the opening days.
- The Biennale jury awarded Abounaddara a Special Mention.
- Abounaddara refused the award immediately.
- In February 2015, the Biennale requested content information about their weekly short films.
- Abounaddara demanded guarantees that their methodology would be respected.
- The Biennale agreed to promote each short film on its website.
- The first short film was not included in the Arena opening program on May 5.
- On May 8, the Biennale informed them their films would be screened once a week between a reading of Marx's 'Capital' and musical variations.
- When Abounaddara objected, they were told about the award as a confidential matter.
- A Biennale representative responded to their open letter with insults.
- The collective's statement was titled 'This is not censorship'.
- artpress published the statement in its July issue.
Entities
Artists
- Abounaddara
Institutions
- Venice Biennale
- artpress
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
Sources
- artpress —