A compelling new photo exhibition featuring portraits of young people from Syria is now on display at the Köpfchen border crossing. The powerful photographs, captured by renowned photographer Willi Filz, are being showcased both inside the historic old customs house and outdoors on large-format banners, creating an immersive viewing experience for visitors.

The exhibition primarily features striking images taken in Aleppo, the war-torn city in northern Syria that has become a symbol of the country's devastating conflict. Filz has made multiple trips to the region to document the lives of ordinary people, with his most recent visit occurring in May of this year, following the fall of the Syrian regime.

What sets Filz's work apart from typical news coverage is his deeply personal approach to photography. Rather than focusing on the political or military aspects of the Syrian conflict, his images offer an intimate glimpse into the daily lives and aspirations of the people he meets.

"For a decade, there has been reporting about the war in Syria, and I go there, photograph people at home in their personal environment, and ask them about their dreams," Filz explained. "That's what makes my work profound – that you can recognize people who come from a different cultural background."

The photographer's methodology involves spending time with his subjects in their own spaces, creating a comfortable environment where they can share their hopes and experiences. This approach allows viewers to see beyond the headlines and connect with the human stories behind the conflict.

The exhibition format, spanning both indoor and outdoor spaces at the border crossing, creates a unique context for the work. The location itself – a place where people cross between countries and cultures – adds symbolic weight to the portraits of Syrian youth who have experienced displacement and upheaval.

Filz's photographs reveal the resilience and humanity of young Syrians, showing them not as victims of war but as individuals with dreams, personalities, and futures. The large-format outdoor displays ensure that the images have maximum impact, allowing passersby to encounter these faces and stories in an unexpected setting.

The timing of the exhibition is particularly significant, coming after recent political changes in Syria and at a moment when international attention to the region continues to evolve. Through his lens, Filz bridges cultural divides and challenges viewers to see beyond stereotypes and news reports to recognize the shared humanity of his subjects.