For Sama

For Sama

Year: 2019

Runtime: 100 min

Language: Arabic

Directors: Edward Watts, Waad Al-Khateab

Documentary

In war-torn Aleppo, Syria, a young mother's love letter to her daughter becomes a powerful testament to female resilience. Waad al-Kateab's intimate chronicle spans five tumultuous years, juxtaposing moments of joy and sacrifice with the devastating reality of civil war. As she navigates impossible choices, her camera captures the heart-wrenching struggle to protect her child while staying true to her principles.

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Timeline & Setting – For Sama (2019)
Explore the full timeline and setting of For Sama (2019). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2012-2016

This period marks the escalation of the Syrian Civil War, where daily life turned into a fight for survival amid escalating violence and international intervention. It highlights both the hope that emerged during the protests and the subsequent despair that arose as conflict intensified. The years leading up to 2016 were marked by significant humanitarian crises and a struggle for power.

Location

Aleppo, Syria

Aleppo is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, known for its rich history and cultural significance. During the Syrian Civil War, it became a battleground, particularly in the fight against the Assad regime. The devastation of its historic sites is a poignant reminder of the conflict's impact on heritage and civilization.

🏙️ City 🌍 Syria

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:03

Main Characters – For Sama (2019)
Meet the key characters of For Sama (2019), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Waad Al-Khateab

Waad is a courageous young mother who uses her camera to document her family's journey during the harrowing conflict in Aleppo. She balances her role as both a filmmaker and a parent, conveying the love and fears for her daughter, Sama, in a chaotic world. Her dedication to truth and her family's safety define her character.

👩‍👧 Motherhood 🎥 Filmmaker 💪 Resilience

Hamza Al-Khateab

Hamza is a dedicated doctor working in a besieged hospital, striving to save lives despite the looming threats of violence and bombardment. His unwavering commitment to his profession and family highlights his heroic nature. As a husband and father, he represents hope during dark times, embodying the struggle for freedom.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor 💖 Love 🛡️ Heroism

Sama Al-Khateab

Sama is a symbol of hope and innocence amid war. Born during one of humanity's darkest times, her existence provides a poignant reminder of love's persistence. As a young child, she represents the future that Waad and Hamza fight for, embodying their hopes and dreams for peace.

👶 Innocence 🌟 Hope 💞 Future

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:03

Major Themes – For Sama (2019)
Explore the central themes of For Sama (2019), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

❤️ Love and Resilience

The film beautifully captures the enduring power of love amidst chaos and destruction. Waad and Hamza's devotion to each other and to their daughter, Sama, showcases the human spirit's resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. It reflects the importance of familial bonds and hope for a better future, even when surrounded by despair.

🎞️ Documentary and Witness

This documentary serves as a crucial testimony to the atrocities of war, emphasizing the role of filmmakers as witnesses and chroniclers of history. Waad's perspective offers an intimate look at the horrors faced by civilians, highlighting the significance of personal narratives in understanding larger geopolitical conflicts. It underscores the power of storytelling in preserving memories of resilience.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:03

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