Watch For Sama

For Sama is a powerful documentary that chronicles the life of Waad Al-Kateab, a young woman who lives in Aleppo, Syria during the ongoing civil war. This film is a personal account of her life, recorded on camera over a period of five years, and it tells the story of how Waad combines love and motherhood with the daily trauma of living in a war zone.

The film is narrated by Waad herself as she talks to her newborn daughter, Sama, about the challenges of raising a child in a city ravaged by war. Throughout the film, Waad and her husband Hamza, a doctor, struggle to help the people of Aleppo, while also trying to protect their own family.

The film takes us through the various phases of the Syrian conflict, from the early protests against the regime of Bashar al-Assad, to the arrival of ISIS in the country, and finally to the brutal Russian-backed siege of Aleppo in 2016. Waad is a freelance journalist who documents the events of the war as they unfold, and her footage gives us an intimate and up-close view of the devastation and trauma faced by Syrian civilians during this time.

While the film is inherently political, it is also deeply personal. Waad shares footage of her wedding, the birth of her daughter, and other moments of joy and connection that help us understand the resilience and strength of the Syrian people. She also gives us a glimpse into her experiences as a woman in a conservative society, challenging the idea that war is exclusively a male domain.

One of the most moving aspects of the film is Waad's relationship with her baby daughter, Sama. As her husband determines to stay in Aleppo and treat the sick and wounded, Waad struggles with the decision to leave the city and protect her child. She ultimately chooses to stay, documenting the ongoing conflict with her camera and urging the world to pay attention to the plight of Aleppo's civilians.

The documentary is richly layered, featuring moments of hope and joy as well as devastating tragedy. Waad and Hamza's relationship is a central focus of the film, giving the audience a sense of the deep love and profound grief that can coexist in the midst of such extraordinary circumstances.

Overall, For Sama is a must-see documentary that gives a voice to the Syrian people and helps us understand the human cost of war. It is a remarkable testament to the human spirit, and a tribute to the love and courage of one family enduring unimaginable hardship.