ARTE.TV features ‘Al Faẓia’ الفظیع – the Horror: Surviving Syria’s Prisons’ 

We are delighted to share that Akram Al Saud and Tobi Dahmen are featured in a short documentary on ARTE.TV, a public European cultural channel and online streaming platform.

Left: Tobi and Akram recreating Akram’s prison cell size.
Right: Akram and Tobi interviewing with ARTE.TV.

Akram Al Saud, who studied architecture in Syria before being imprisoned and tortured by the Assad regime, worked closely with graphic novelist Tobi Dahmen to bring his lived experiences and memories to the page. Their graphic novel, Al-Faẓia’ – The Horror: Surviving Syria’s Prisons (Carlsen Verlag 2026; University of Toronto Press, 2026) is not only a story of persecution, but of survival, dignity, and resilience.

In the short documentary, Akram and Tobi share their reflections on this collaborative project which emerged using a survivor-centred process grounded in dialogue, trust, and shared commitment— allowing Akram to shape how his story is told.

Screenshot from feature. Image credit: Tobi Dahmen and ARTE.TV.

The documentary highlights an important question: Do we speak about refugees, or do we speak with them?

The ARTE.TV is channel showcases art, culture and history through documentaries, feature films, investigative reports, and performing arts/concerts. The short feature is available to view online for free in both German and French until June 20, 2027.

Akram Al Saud. Photo credit: ARTE.TV.

Thank you to Akram and Tobi for sharing their reflections on the making of the graphic novel and to ARTE.TV for the special feature.