Architecture to Animation with Fadi Syriani
In our fifth captivating episode of The Ajyal Show, we explore the fascinating world of animation with Fadi Syriani, an award-winning animator and director. Fadi shares his inspiring journey from a 15-year career as an architect to following his true passion for animation. He discusses how his background provided a well-rounded knowledge base that significantly contributed to his filmmaking.
Fadi emphasises the importance of pursuing one’s passion and finding fulfilment in work. He offers a unique perspective on the relationship between technology and animation, preferring manual techniques over digital while acknowledging the role of the latter in making animation accessible to beginners through easy-to-use software. He also shares his experiences teaching animation workshops and the challenges faced in the animation industry.
Highlighting the existence of support initiatives for animation artists in the region, Fadi advises young animators to read and appreciate various art forms to enhance their creativity. He discusses his latest stop-motion animation film, detailing the fascinating process of creating puppets. Fadi also addresses the misconception that animation is only for children, revealing how it can be a crucial tool to showcase and discuss serious topics like war. Throughout the episode, Fadi stresses the importance of “honest work” and authenticity in storytelling for any format.
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Fadi Syriani, where we uncover the intriguing intricacies and often understated power of authentic animation.
More About Our Guest Fadi Syriani
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Fadi Syriani is an animator, a writer/director and a holder of a master’s degree in architecture. In 2018, Fadi founded the Youth Animation Platform (YAP), offering young talents the opportunity to tell their stories through animation. As a YAP Lead Mentor, Fadi offers young filmmakers hands-on training in all the elements required to produce animated films and various forms of animated art. Since its inception, YAP has held several on-site as well as online workshops in Lebanon and the MENA Region.
Fadi is currently finishing his debut animated short film ‘The Day Vladimir Died’. The film was awarded a Doha Film Institute Cinema Grant for Production (Spring 2020). The film received 4 awards at the Animarkt Stop Motion Forum – Lodz, Poland (Oct 2020). The project has also received funding from the OIF Francophonie Cinema Fund (Oct 2021), AFAC Cinema Grant (Dec 2021), as well as the Netflix Equity Fund (Mar 2022). In partnership with Reynard Films, a production studio based in Leipzig Germany, the film received the Cultural Foundation of the Free State of Saxony Fund (KdFS) and the Media Council of the Saxon State Media Authority (SLM) fund.