Taste of Cement (2020)

“Taste of Cement” (2017) #Arabic

A film screening and post-discussion with director Ziad Kalthoum and Dr. Taha K. Sultan Al Barghathi, a representative of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Dr. Barghathi has extensive experience working in conflict zones across the Middle East and North Africa in negotiating with armed groups and supporting the needs of the war-displaced.

“Taste of Cement” is a cinematic portrayal of exile that documents the effects of war and displacement through the lens of Syrian construction workers rebuilding skyscrapers in Lebanon after its civil war. Scenes of construction juxtaposed with destruction tell a universal tale of war and its profound impacts on humans as well as their surroundings.”

Loved the film. The Q/A after really put it all in perspective – Georgia Tech Student

View this event’s discussions below

Thank you for organizing this! It was incredibly touching to learn about the experience of Syrian workers in Lebanon, the cycle of destruction (war) and rebuilding, and how “all that is solid melts into air” tragically applies to real life circumstances. This film also put a face on what the news refers to as “collateral damage.” Thank you so much!   – Georgia Tech Student

Event Details

  • Date: Friday, February 21st, 2020
  • Location: Gatech Student Theater
  • A film screen and post-discussion with director Ziad Kalthoum and Dr. Taha K. Sultan Al Barghathi, a representative of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
  • Topics: War-displaced, Syrian War, Mental Health, Sustainability
This event is hosted by Dr. Ayda Melika from the History & Sociology and Middle Eastern Studies department.
Collaborators: Atlanta Global Studies Center, Iranian Studies Initiative, Urban Media Lab, GT Mental Health Joint Allocation Committee