Cries from Syria

Cries from Syria, a compelling documentary feature released in 2017, is a heartrending eye-opener to the harsh realities and cataclysmic events experienced by the Syrian people as a result of the Syrian Civil War that began in 2011. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Evgeny Afineevsky, this film stands as a stark reminder of humankind's propensity toward brutality and an homage to the courageous spirit of those facing insurmountable odds.

The documentary prominently features Hadi Al Abdullah, Raed Al Saleh, and Riad Al-Asaad among many other powerful and character-defining voices. Not being traditional actors, but real voices from the frontlines, they bring forward an authenticity that no fictional performance can achieve. Their poignant narratives and perspectives add a level of depth and nuismance to the already impactful account of this crisis.

To understand Cries from Syria, one must understand the context of its making. Afineevsky has intricately woven this film from hundreds of hours of war footage gathered over the course of five years. The director states, “This is not my footage, this is the Syrian people's footage.” The footage, both horrifying and revealing, lays bare the raw, stark realities of the conflict and stands as a monument to the brave people who dared to capture it amidst adversity.

Hadi Al Abdullah, a renowned Syrian journalist and social activist, is one of the most striking voices in the film. Throughout the documentary, he shares his lived experiences and observations of a country in crisis, his narrative contributing to the exploration of socio-political dynamics that have facilitated the war.

In the same vein, Raed Al Saleh, head of the White Helmets, a group of volunteer rescuers operating in rebel-controlled Syria, brings a unique perspective to the devastation. His narrative, interwoven with gripping footage of rescue operations conducted amidst the rubble of bombed cityscapes, illuminates the heroism and resilience being displayed every day in Syria.

Adding a militaristic perspective is Riad Al-Asaad, a former Syrian army officer and one of the founders of the Free Syrian Army. His portrayal within the film presents the viewers with invaluable insights into the complexities and machinations of the armed resistance movement against the government of Bashar al-Assad.

Cries from Syria is a potent exploration of the Syrian protest movement, the fierce government backlash, and the rise of armed insurrection. It personalizes the political, unravels the historical, and humanizes the statistics we often hear in the context of war. It is a story of survival, of community, of families torn apart and those hanging on with the barest threads of hope. Names, faces, and individual stories are put to the countless victims, revolutionaries, and refugees stemming from this crisis, ensuring that they are seen as more than just numbers or casual news clips.

Afineevsky's keen eye for detail and commitment to truth ensures the film is neither monotonal nor one-sided. Scenes of peaceful protests metamorphosing into desperate scenes of chaos and violence tease out the complexity of the Syrian crisis. The stories shift fluidly between narratives of despair and hope, creating a dynamic narrative that resists simplistic characterizations.

Arguably, the most sobering aspects of Cries from Syria are the firsthand accounts of the youngest victims and witnesses of this tragedy: the children. Through these innocent eyes, the film takes a distressing look at how war, displacement, and loss of family and community impact the psyche and lives of the most vulnerable. These heart-wrenching perspectives turn the documentary into a rallying cry for empathy, understanding, and international intervention.

Music, a significant component of cinema, plays a central role here. Angelic voices singing Syrian children's songs score scenes of heavy violence and dreams of peace, serving as a poignant backdrop that lingers long after the credits roll.

Cries from Syria is more than a documentary; it is a call to action, an urgent plea for the world to take notice and step up in humanity's name. As one watches these real-life accounts, one cannot help but be moved, be inspired, and perhaps be spurred into action. It challenges viewers to ask important questions, face tough realities and explore what role they might play in eliciting change.

In short, Cries from Syria is a documentary that stands as a testament to the power of storytelling, shedding light on perhaps one of the most devastating humanitarian crises of the 21st century. It is an unforgettable journey into the hearts and minds of the Syrian people, a trip that will leave you moved, provoked, and perhaps changed forever.