For Sama

For Sama is an extraordinary, heart-wrenching and deeply personal documentary that takes us into the heart of the Syrian Civil War, through the lens of a young mother. Created by the award-winning filmmaker Waad al-Kateab in collaboration with British television journalist Edward Watts, For Sama was released in 2019 and quickly gained worldwide acclaim for its powerful and intimate portrayal of the ongoing conflict.

Waad Al-Kateab is not just the filmmaker but also the central character of the movie. Along with her husband Hamza, a doctor, and their baby girl Sama, we are led through their lives in the war-ravaged city of Aleppo. The tale unfolds from their perspective, diving deep into the lives of ordinary people doing extraordinary things in extraordinary times.

What sets For Sama apart from other documentaries is the unique perspective from which it's shot. It's taken straight from the ground level, providing the audience a rare viewpoint that is often absent in traditional war documentaries. It offers a first-hand account of the war-torn streets of Aleppo in the form of a touching love-letter from a mother to her child, capturing the stark and heartbreaking reality of life during wartime. This perspective gives a real, raw, and heartbreaking depiction of the war and its impacts on the lives of civilians.

Waad's camera captures the essence of the human spirit, resilience, and the struggle for survival. All these themes resonate throughout the documentary as the family negotiates the daily landscape of hope and despair as their city crumbles around them. Whether it's navigating through bomb-stricken streets, running a makeshift hospital or experiencing the joy of childbirth amidst chaos; the extremes of human emotions are felt within each frame.

Though the subject matter is grim and bleak, For Sama is not devoid of hope and love. The relentless spirit of the people, their determination, and strength cut through the horror and despair consistently. Throughout the film, we witness the endurance of love, whether it's between Waad and Hamza, their love for Sama, or their love for their city. Their courage and endurance tell a bigger story - one of resilience, defiance, and an enduring hope for a better future.

Waad's husband, Hamza Al-Khateab, plays a significant role in the film, seen continuously treating the civilians affected by the war. His hospital becomes a beacon of humanity amid the destruction, and through him, we experience the enormous strength and resolve of the people in the face of relentless adversity.

The video diary style of the film makes the narrative more intimate and impactful. It's as if we have been invited into the personal lives of the family, their home, and their struggle. As a result, the audience develops a connection to the characters, empathizing, and living through their fear, hope, and determination.

For Sama subtly illustrates the reality of war, but it's the characters, Waad, Hamza, and Sama, who have touched the hearts of audiences around the world. Its universal themes of struggle, resilience, and love in the most challenging circumstances make it a deeply emotional journey that transcends cultural barriers.

Moreover, this film serves to bear witness to the enormity of the Syrian crisis, which has been all too easily relegated to background noise in the face of other global issues. For Sama demands attention to one of the worst humanitarian crises of our time. The film serves as a potent reminder of the realities of war, far removed from the sanitized versions we often see on media.

For Sama is more than a movie; it's an experience that brings out a range of emotions from its viewers. It's a tribute to the resilient human spirit in times of conflict and uncertainty and serves as an eye-opener that drives viewers to think, discuss and act on global issues that affect humanity at large.

The documentary showcases the bond between Waad Al-Khateab and her daughter Sama Al-Khateab, for whom the film is named. It portrays the most overwhelming bond of love anyone can have – a mother and child. A legacy for Sama, the film reveals a mother's fears for her child's future in a country torn apart by war, making it an affecting watch for everyone across the globe.

In conclusion, For Sama is an important and deeply moving testament to the power of the human spirit and the endurance of love, even amidst the overwhelming horror of war. Rich with detail and emotion, it is a powerful, profoundly moving documentary that casts a long, haunting shadow, long after the screen has gone dark.