Syria’s intricate dance between tradition and modernity reveals itself as a range of sexy and funny characters discuss dating, marriage, education, art, politics and religion. People are kind and educated and a myriad of different religions and sects co-exist harmoniously.

But the rosy image dims as fear of the encroachment of radical Islam emerges: A writer blames the government for using fear of fundamentalists to control society; a government minister sites the rise of Islam as a response to external pressures against Arabs. She concludes that the current political climate exaggerates differences, encourages extremists and undermines moderate and liberal voices.

As it lyrically spins a tale of contemporary Syrian life, TEA gives voice and face to this moderate majority.

Armed with only a camera, Jean Marie Offenbacher traveled alone throughout syria from 2004 through 2006. As a new York woman, living in a post-9/11 world, she was desperate to stimulate curiosity in westerners about the reality of Arab communities that are all too often misrepresented by the media.