2019
Directed by Waad Al-Kateab and Edward Watts
This is one of those documentaries that you "should" see, but I am forever scarred by the images shown in this film. Of course, that is the entire point, to force Western audiences to confront the reality of the situation, instead of ignoring it like we've done so long. But we have to look out for our own mental health as well, and the footage is pretty devastating.
Waad Al-Kateab, a journalist and rebel, raises her daughter Sama with her husband, Dr. Hamza Al-Kateab, against the backdrop of the Syrian uprising. Al-Kateab captures many disturbing glimpses of war, like footage of dead bodies (including children). We also see enough family moments to understand exactly what they are fighting for.
I think it is a surprisingly hopeful documentary, but I wouldn't advise my loved ones to watch it any time soon. It's 2020, and we're pretty much hanging on by a thread. But who knows, maybe watching it will inspire you to take action, even if that action is just feeling grateful.
RATING: doesn't really feel appropriate here...
Interesting Facts:
Waad Al-Kateab was pregnant with Sama's sister when she fled Syria.
Al-Kateab was 21 when she started filming.
