Syrian Conflict on Screen: 10 Films to Watch

Description: This documentary follows a team of female doctors working in an underground hospital in Syria, showcasing their bravery and the dire medical conditions they face daily.

Fact: The film was shot over five years, capturing the real-life struggles of these women. It was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Description: This documentary captures the transformation of a young soccer star into a rebel leader in Homs, Syria, offering a firsthand account of the uprising and its devastating effects.

Fact: The film was directed by Talal Derki, who himself was born in Damascus. It won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

Description: This film tells the story of a Syrian family's perilous journey to Europe, highlighting the refugee crisis and the human stories behind the headlines.

Fact: It was directed by George Ovashvili, who is known for his films focusing on human displacement and migration.

Description: This short documentary focuses on the volunteer organization known as the White Helmets, who risk their lives to rescue civilians from the rubble of bombings in Syria.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject. It was also directed by Orlando von Einsiedel, known for his impactful documentaries.

Description: This film follows a woman's journey through Damascus to find medicine for her son, reflecting the daily struggles of Syrians amidst the war. It's a poignant look at how ordinary life continues against the backdrop of chaos.

Fact: The film was shot in Jordan, standing in for Syria, due to the ongoing conflict. It also won the Lion of the Future award at the Venice Film Festival.

Description: A deeply personal documentary, "For Sama" is a love letter from a mother to her daughter, capturing the siege of Aleppo through the eyes of a young doctor. It's a raw, emotional portrayal of life under siege.

Fact: The film was co-directed by Waad al-Kateab, who lived through the events depicted in the documentary. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Description: A collaborative documentary that combines footage from various sources to create a mosaic of the Syrian conflict, showing the resilience and despair of its people.

Fact: The film was co-directed by Ossama Mohammed, who was in exile, and Wiam Simav Bedirxan, who remained in Syria, providing a unique dual perspective.

Description: A Syrian drama about a young boy who becomes a symbol of resistance in his community, showcasing the impact of the war on children and their innocence.

Fact: The film was directed by Samer Zakharia, who aimed to shed light on the plight of children in war-torn areas.

Description: A documentary that explores the lives of Syrians living in the shadow of war, capturing their daily struggles, hopes, and the small victories that keep them going.

Fact: The film was directed by Harry Freeland, who spent time in Syria to document the lives of ordinary people amidst the conflict.

Description: This film imagines a post-war Syria, focusing on the efforts to rebuild and reconcile after years of conflict, offering a hopeful vision for the future.

Fact: It was directed by Ahmad Ghossein, who aimed to provide a narrative of hope and reconstruction in a time of despair.