Salamiyah – Lady of the Land

«Salamiyah, Lady of the Land» is a documentary that listens closely to the musical life of Salamiyah, a town in central Syria shaped by song, memory, and long histories of exchange. Through performances and conversations, it follows local sounds as they move between generations, showing how music shapes collective memory and community in a place marked by historical change. Rooted in cassette culture and Salamiyah’s sonic heritage, the film reflects on the fragile yet enduring bonds between sound, belonging, and survival. «Salamiyah, Lady of the Land» is a film produced by the project Syrian Cassette Archives and directed by Yamen Mekdad and Omar Malas. The screening is followed by a discussion with the founders of the Syrian Cassette Archives, Mark Gergis and Yamen Mekdad. It is part of SONIC MATTER Festival for Experimental Music Zurich 2026 and contributes to a variety of formats presenting the ongoing work of Syrian Cassette Archives. An exhibition and talks about releases documented by Syrian Cassette Archives in the Festival’s Label Lounge at Kunstraum Walcheturm and a DJ set at the festival’s «borderline club culture» at Umbo complement the screening.

TICKETS

Free admission

DAY PASS

65 / 80 / 50 - Legi 25 CHF

INFORMATION & ACCESSIBILITY

→ Wheelchair accessible

If you want to hear more of the music and artists of Syrian Cassette Archives check out:

→ our Label Lounge on Friday, Saturday afternoon, Saturday night and Sunday

→ our Lounge Talks on Friday, Saturday and Sunday

→ our borderline club culture at Umbo club on 27.02.2026 with -OUS artists Lua Jungck and Ink!

COOPERATION

Filmpodium, co-curation: Adham Hafez