Forbidden Love (2011 TV series)
Forbidden Love is a Syrian television series which was first aired in 2011. The program, which is broadcast via satellite, has caused controversy across Arabic communities for its exploration of issues considered socially and culturally taboo. Written and directed by Tamer Isaac, the drama features a cast including Abbas al-Noury, Kinda Alloush, Basim Yakhour, Qusai Khouli and Salma Masri. Themes. "Forbidden Love" is a serial drama which focuses on social issues in contemporary Syrian society. The series primarily explores the impact of adoption, disability and unconventional relationships within families and communities. These themes had  never previously been explored within a Syrian television drama. The romantic themes within "Forbidden Love" are highly contentious to Syrian culture and religion. The most controversial storyline in the series involves the complex relationship between the series’ two protagonists, Sarah (an adopted daughter) and Dr. Wael (her adoptive father). The series explores the reactions of community and kin to this relationship, and depicts the moral dilemmas of characters in deciding whether to condone or condemn the relationship. The series also involves depictions of adultery, greed, manipulation, illegal business dealings and a relationship between characters where a significant age disparity exists . Production. "Forbidden Love" began shooting in mid-March 2011, inadvertently coinciding with the start of the "Arab Spring" protests. Many production companies declined the option to finance the series, as they were nervous about the Syrian political situation disrupting the shooting. However, Golden Line agreed to the project, aspiring to be a Syrian company capable of delivering a reliable commodity in the midst of political turmoil. As of April 2012, "Forbidden Love" has been filmed amongst neighborhoods in Damascus and Ghouta without incident. To attract a maximum viewing audience, the series premiered during Ramadan 2011. Reception. Since premiering in September  2011, "The Forbidden Love" series has broadcast continually to Arabic speaking communities across the Middle East, despite the program causing controversy amongst some sections of the community. Primarily, the series has provoked criticism in the Arabic language press, including "e-Sama Syria", a Syrian newspaper; "October", a Syrian art magazine; and "Al Itthihad", a newspaper printed in the United Arab Emirates. The series explores a number of subjects, including incest, which are highly taboo in Arabic culture. Critics of the series have accused it of "unraveling morality" and have demanded an end to the program. The campaign against the series  has also involved threats to prosecute the satellite channels which broadcast the program. However, the series has a strong fan base, which was apparent within 10 days of the program being launched when it attracted over 80,000 YouTube downloads. Social networking sites have provided fertile ground for supporters and opponents of the series to promote their perceptions of the program's values. These sites have also provided a space for supporters and opponents to engage in dialogue about the program, and to explore the culturally acceptable limits of popular media in highlighting and challenging cultural taboos. As incest is such  an emotive and taboo topic in many cultures, including Arab cultures, many people have been confronted by the series' exploration of this issue. Consequently, there have been a high number of sharp attacks on the program and its cast through social networking sites.