For Sama 2019
“An intimate and epic journey into the female experience of war.”
What is For Sama?
"For Sama" is a documentary film that serves as a personal account of a young mother's life. The film chronicles her experiences through five years of the uprising in Aleppo, Syria.
- Type
- Film
- Year
- 2019
- Status
- Released
- Runtime
- 100 minutes
- Release date
- Jul 26, 2019
- Studios
- ITN Productions, Channel 4 Television
- Genres
- Documentary, War
- Updated
Trailer
Overview
"For Sama" is a documentary film that serves as a personal account of a young mother's life. The film chronicles her experiences through five years of the uprising in Aleppo, Syria. It captures the stories of loss, laughter, and survival as the mother navigates the conflict-ridden city. The documentary also explores the mother's personal struggles, including her decision about whether to leave the city to protect her daughter's life. This choice is complicated by the mother's commitment to the struggle for freedom, which she has already sacrificed much for. The film is a personal and emotional account of the mother's life during a time of great turmoil.
Should you watch it?
“A mother’s heartfelt chronicle of love and survival amid Aleppo’s devastating war.”
- Intimate female perspective on conflict
- Award‑winning documentary with Cannes recognition
- Powerful real footage captured during the siege
- Graphic war imagery can be intense
- Emotionally demanding for some viewers
Watch it if you appreciate raw, personal documentaries that confront the realities of conflict.
The film is unflinching and harrowing, suitable for mature audiences comfortable with graphic war depictions.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the central focus of the film?
It follows Waad al‑Kateab’s five‑year experience in Aleppo, documenting love, motherhood, and survival during the uprising.
What awards has the documentary received?
It won the Prix L’Œil d’Or for Best Documentary at Cannes 2019 and the Grand Jury Award for Best Documentary.
Where was the documentary filmed?
The footage was captured within the siege of Aleppo, Syria.
How long is the film?
The runtime is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
What tone does the film have?
It presents an acute, brutal, and unrelenting look at the Syrian conflict through a personal lens.