An Illustrative preview only. Not a representation of the final documentary.

SYRIA : THE GREAT RETURN

in production

A 5-year film documentation of the repatriation of Syrian diasporas in Asia.

Witness the historical moment about their deeply personal and emotional journey of “going back”, making another record of a successful liberation.

Featuring

SYRIAN DIASPORAS OF DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS. FROM AN UNDOCUMENTED, OVERSTAYED MIGRANT, STUDENTS, BUSINESS OWNERS, AND EVERYONE WHO HAS DIVERSE STORIES ABOUT HOW THEY FLED SYRIA DURING THE CONFLICT.

Location

MALAYSIA AND ACROSS ASIA, SYRIA.

“The day after ‘Damascus has fallen’, they (Syrians) have already begun contacting and reaching out to our organization,seeking guidance on how to prepare to return” - MAHAR RELIEF

After years in diaspora, fleeing repression, facing challenges under foreign immigration laws, limited economic and educational opportunities, They begin the journey back.

But returning comes with a cost, they face challenging choices : leaving behind the decent lives they’ve built abroad, financial instability, and any possible work prospects. Uncertain political conditions in Syria, and the dilemma of whether safety has truly assured, standing in their way.

This film documents the deeply personal and emotional journey of “going back”—revealing that their desire to return is not only about going home, but also an act of resilience. It is their way of protecting and sustaining the freedom they’ve long dreamed of.

created and written by

shade asri

Shade Asri brings over a decade of activism in the Middle East issues, building connections within the Syrian diaspora community in Malaysia. With experience in media volunteering, Shade has contributed to campaigns and advocacy supporting humanitarian initiatives both internationally and locally.

Rights & Partnerships

IP Ownership: Original Intellectual Property

Production Stage: In production

Seeking: International Co-Production & Global Distribution Partners

Rights Status

SYRIA THE GREAT RETURN is an intellectual property with rights currently available, subject to negotiation. Opportunities include co-production partnerships. No exclusive territorial commitments have been made.

executive producer

mashitoh chen

Mashitoh Chen is an entrepreneur with a foundation in accounting, management, and corporate administration.
Her work transforms real business challenges into creative content for education, training, and audience engagement.