Rebuilding Syria Through the Power of Cinema | Sam Kadi | TEDxSantaBarbaraSalon
In his TEDx Santa Barbara Salon talk, Sam Kadi, a Syrian-born filmmaker, writer, and producer based in Santa Barbara, shows you how cinema has the power to reconstruct Syria’s cultural heritage and national identity. Drawing on his personal journey and professional experience, Kadi takes you through the transformative role of filmmakers in telling stories that heal and unite a divided nation. Under the Assad regime, Syrian cinema faces decades of censorship and propaganda, but Kadi highlights how a new generation of storytellers reclaims the narrative, sharing authentic tales of resilience, hope, and the human cost of war.Kadi inspires you to believe that justice fosters healing and explains how storytelling through cinema promotes unity and preserves the legacy of Syria’s peaceful revolution. He urges you to shift your perspective—away from stereotypical portrayals of violence and terrorism—and to see Syrians as they truly are: rich in culture, deeply connected to their ancient history, and full of hope. He shares his vision for films that honor the lives lost in the fight for dignity and freedom while inspiring future generations to rebuild.Through personal stories, including his early years in Aleppo and his journey as a theater artist turned filmmaker, Kadi gives you an intimate look at what it means to use art to resist oppression. He reveals why cinema is uniquely powerful: it transcends borders, travels globally, and sparks action like no other medium. With works like his acclaimed film Little Gandhi, Kadi reminds you that well-made films are “ticking bombs” of truth capable of challenging even the most oppressive regimes.Kadi’s idea worth sharing is this: Cinema is a powerful medium to reclaim narratives, preserve cultural identity, and inspire healing in post-conflict societies. He compels you to see how storytelling can shape history and why supporting authentic voices from Syria is more crucial than ever.Sam Kadi is an award-winning filmmaker celebrated for using storytelling to illuminate human rights and social justice. Born in Aleppo, he transitioned from engineering to filmmaking, carving a unique path that intertwines his creative vision with activism. His films have sparked global conversations, including screenings at the United Nations and engagements with the U.S. Congress and the Canadian Parliament. Kadi spoke before the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, about raising awareness of human rights issues through films. Kadi is a TEDx speaker, a jury member for multiple film festivals, and a member of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), where he serves on the Guild Asian American Committee. Kadi’s work continues to amplify voices from the Syrian diaspora. He blends artistry and advocacy to foster empathy and inspire change. Through his lens, he crafts narratives that connect personal stories to global issues, empowering audiences to see beyond headlines. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 14:12War and Children | Ms Aakanksha Sharma | TEDxBodhi International SchoolWar and Children – The Impact of Wars on The Future of Tomorrow Ms Akanksha Sharma is a passionate educator with over five years of teaching experience across edtech platforms, NGOs, and traditional schools. Whether online or offline, her mission has always been to make learning engaging, inclusive, and meaningful. Known for her creative approach in the classroom, she thrives on connecting with students and adapting to their individual needs. A devoted reader and writer, Aakanksha channels her curiosity into reflection and growth. She brings thoughtful insight and energy to every conversation, committed to lifelong learning and impactful dialogue. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 11:11Misión, visión, valores y otras tonterías | Neus Díez | TEDxUC3MOlvídate de la misión, la visión y los valores. Esos no son parte de la estrategia. La mayoría de las empresas ni siquiera tienen una estrategia real. Te contaré por qué (casi) todo lo que creemos que es una gran estrategia, solo son palabras bonitas sin sentido. Experta en marketing estratégico y divulgadora en Youtube con una experiencia de más de 10 años. Largo: Neus Diez es consultora de marketing estratégico con 10 años de experiencia, ha mentorizado y ayudado a marcas nacionales e internacionales. También es divulgadora en YouTube y ha colaborado con medios como RTVE y Telemadrid. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 17:35Health is Wealth | Ms Noopur Chaturvedi | TEDxBodhi International SchoolHealth is Wealth: Focus on Mental Health Ms. Noopur Chaturvedi is an accomplished educator and leader with over three decades of multifaceted experience. Currently serving as the CIE Head and HoD English at Bodhi International School, Jodhpur, she brings together the best of academia and corporate insight. Her expertise spans teaching, training, counseling, performance management, and personality development. A dynamic, result-oriented professional known for her integrity and vision, Ms. Chaturvedi continues to inspire educators and students alike with her thoughtful leadership and commitment to excellence. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 10:02Health is Wealth | Himangi Singh | TEDxBodhi International SchoolHealth is Wealth: Focus on Mental Health Miss Himangi Singh, the Head Girl of Bodhi International School, is a confident, empathetic, and purpose-driven young leader. She believes that true strength lies in self-awareness and compassion. Guided by integrity and resilience, Himangi champions mental well-being as a cornerstone of leadership. Her journey reflects a deep understanding that success is not just about results, but about nurturing the minds and hearts behind them. Through balanced organization and open communication, she aims to create safe spaces and lead with emotional intelligence, empathy, and grace. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 11:39How to Have the Best Meal of Your Life | Helen Lê | TEDxGreenwichUniversityDanangIn her talk “How to Have the Best Meal of Your Life”, Helen Lê invites the audience to rethink what makes a meal truly memorable. It’s not the imported ingredients, luxury settings, or Instagrammable presentation — but the connection, consciousness, trust and care behind it. Drawing from her experience as a food storyteller, Helen shares how eating more mindfully and naturally can nourish our bodies, preserve the planet, and deepen our cultural identity — one meal at a time. Helen Lê is a Vietnamese food content creator, Youtuber, author of bestselling cookbooks Simply Pho and Vegan Vietnamese, and digital marketing lecturer. With over a million followers worldwide, she’s on a mission to bring Vietnamese cuisine to the global stage. Helen combines storytelling, sustainability, and cultural pride in everything she shares — from YouTube videos to TEDx stages — inspiring people to reconnect with their roots through mindful, meaningful meals. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 17:06The Most Important Subject that Schools Don’t Teach | Ed Banks | TEDxYouth@AISDWhy do we graduate students who can run a mile, graph a linear equation, or identify muscle groups—yet leave school without knowing how to budget, file taxes, or avoid crippling debt?In this eye-opening TEDx talk, Ed Banks takes on a systemic issue hiding in plain sight: the absence of mandatory financial literacy education in most school curricula across the United States and beyond. He challenges educators, policymakers, parents, and students alike to think again about what it truly means to prepare young people for life.Edward Banks begins by spotlighting the imbalance in what is traditionally deemed "essential education." While most school systems require courses in physical education, driver’s education, and health/sex education, there is rarely the same urgency placed on financial education. This omission, Ed argues, is not just an oversight—it’s a long-standing failure with profound consequences.With rising student debt, a lack of savings, and poor credit scores becoming the norm for young adults, Ed presents a compelling case for why financial literacy is not a luxury—it's a necessity. He shares alarming statistics, real-life stories, and systemic patterns that expose just how unequipped many students are to handle real-world financial decisions. From understanding interest rates and credit cards, to learning how to save, invest, and file taxes—these are life skills that most students graduate without ever learning.But Ed doesn't stop at diagnosing the problem. He also brings a solution.In the second half of his talk, he introduces G.I.S.T. —his nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the financial knowledge gap. G.I.S.T. provides access to practical, actionable information and workshops focused on personal finance, especially for underserved communities. Through relatable instruction and hands-on support, G.I.S.T. equips people of all ages with the tools they need to build a financially stable future.Ed's ultimate message is a powerful call to action: that every school system should mandate personal finance as a core component of education, on equal footing with math, science, and language. He calls on students to demand it, parents to advocate for it, and educators to implement it.Because financial literacy is more than a subject—it’s a foundation for freedom, empowerment, and long-term well-being.Aligned with the TEDx theme “Think Again,” this talk urges viewers to reconsider what our schools value, and what our young people actually need to thrive in an increasingly complex world. In this TEDx, Ed Banks questions why today's educational framework rarely require courses in financial literacy. Many states require courses like: physical education, health/sex education, and driver's education, while financial education is conspicuously absent. This absence has dire consequences. In the end he talks about about G.I.S.T. his nonprofit organization, which aims to fill this knowledge gap by providing basic info and practical strategies to assist those in need. He ultimately gives a call to action, which is that every school system should mandate courses in personal finance as a compulsory part of its curriculum. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
