Rasha Sharbatji… between artistic creativity and human awareness

Syrian director Rasha Sharbatji continues to chart her own directorial path, which has become a milestone in Arab drama, with the ability to transform stories into a living memory that leaves a long impact on audiences and critics alike.

In an interview with “Fuchsia”, Sharbatji revealed the secrets of her successes and her vision for Syrian drama, while highlighting her current and future projects. She explained that postponing the showing of her new series “Madina Kitchen” from Ramadan 2025 to Ramadan 2026 does not affect the quality of work, explaining that the postponement came for external logistical reasons. She added that dealing with rumors is always by ignoring them, except when there is a need to correct the information for the press.

She emphasized that the character in a dramatic work is built on its characteristics and developments, and not on the actor only, and that changing the actor does not change the essence, but rather adds his own mark.

Sharbatji is participating in “Al-Nawailati” with her brother, director Yazan Sharbatji, noting that her role is limited to artistic supervision, while her brother is in charge of primary directing. She praised the work team, including stars Samer Al-Masry, Dima Kandalaft and Raed Sundid, stressing that the project will provide a high-end artistic experience. In response to criticism of the repetition of names in her works, Sharbatji said that artistic harmony with actors allows adventure and creativity, and does not constitute repetition, considering that confidence opens the way to exploring new areas.

Sharbatji stated that works such as “Deer in the Forest of Wolves,” “Five and Khamisa,” and “The Honor of Opening the Door” were turning points in her career, and that Syrian drama is capable of returning to its prominent position in the Arab world if the previous challenges are exploited to develop the industry and open the horizons of Arab cooperation, stressing that the Syrian artist has a great responsibility towards his society, and must be a voice for positive change. She warned against being drawn into ill-considered statements, stressing the need for full awareness of the artist’s media influence.

She also pointed out that dramas are capable of changing the stereotyped image of women in Arab society, and considered that real change begins with the family and school, but drama accelerates the process of change.

She explained that her father, the great director Hisham Sharbatji, was her primary source of inspiration in the past, while her inspiration today derives from people who strive to provide the best and combine love and creativity in their lives and work.