103 minutes / Color
English; Arabic / English subtitles
Release: 2017
Copyright: 2016
Amidst the popular uprising in Syria that began in 2011, a group of former Lebanese detainees of the Assad regime decides to break their long-held silence about the horrific years they spent imprisoned in Tadmor, Palmyra, one of the Syrian government's most dreaded prisons.
They testify publicly about the systematic torture and humiliation they experienced. And to reclaim and overcome this dark chapter in their lives, in TADMOR they recreate the prison in an abandoned school near Beirut. There, and by playing out the roles of both "victims" and "victimizers," they will relive their survival.
"Film exists as testimony to the resistance of human beings, to draw it out of them. It's not a question of ideology, it's a question of fighting for humanity... The subject matter itself of TADMOR is resistance." —Luciano Barisone, Director, Visions du Reel
"[I was] unable to tear my eyes away. A much-needed spotlight on a dark history that should not be overlooked. [With masterful cinematography, Tadmor] speaks volumes on the lasting impacts of systematic torture and degradation; the pain and trauma echoing in the silence cannot be unheard.” —Naomi Pham, Al Jadid Magazine
"A surprising film that makes a strong impression." —Film Documentaire
"The extraordinarily brave testimonial of a group of men trying to rediscover the part of humanity they lost within the walls of that prison... driven by one single force: survival ... A necessary film." —Cineuropa
Select Accolades
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