Shahab Kermani

Films · Director

Mar Musa

Documentary - 2025, Syria, Germany, 97 min

Synopsis

In the Syrian mountains of Al Ghalamoun, overlooking the vast desert, stands the ancient Christian monastery of Mar Musa—a beacon of interfaith dialogue and radical hospitality in a fractured land. The film follows the monks and nuns through intimate, observational storytelling as they navigate postwar devastation—working towards peace, even in the face of grave personal loss.

Story

In 1982, the priests Paolo Dal'Oglio and Jacoub Mourad decide to rebuild the ruin of an ancient monastery in the syrian desert. It would become a unique place in many ways. The monks and nuns, living together here, are dedicated towards openness and love for Islam. The monastery as a meeting place for all sects and beliefs. During the civil war Dal'Oglio and Mourad were abducted by the terror group ISIL. While Mourad could flee there are no news of Dal'Oglio to this day. Now the community continues the work of dialogue between faith as the Syria is heading to an uncertain future. The film, from the perspective of this community, tells the story of the war in Syria and the period of a shaky peace after. How to continue after such a devastating event and what positive role can religion play in rebuilding a society out of deep mistrust and desolation? How to heal the wounds?