Projects matching: Waad al-Kateab

Synopsis

In the early hours of 6 February 2023, a Mw 7.8 earthquake hit a large area of Turkey and Syria. It’s destructiveness was exacerbated by the instability that had torn the region apart. Waad Al-Kateab’s film is powerful record of the disaster, drawing images from TV news reports, social media, CCTV and drone footage, alongside archive material of the region. The shock of the earthquake soon gives way to a damning record of human failure, with Al-Kateab focusing on two Syrian families over the course of ten days, sensitively recording their desperate efforts to find their loved ones. Highlighting official incompetence and a paltry level of humanitarian aid, Death Without Mercy is, above all else, a moving testament to human dignity. (Sheffield DocFest 2024 Programme)
Official Selection Sheffield DocFest 2024

Synopsis

An inspirational, intimate story of resilience and freedom, following athletes on their journey to become part of the refugee Olympic team in Tokyo 2020.
Official Selection Tribeca Film Festival 2023 - Spotlight Documentary - World premiere

Synopsis

A feature documentary telling the astonishing story of 26-year old female Syrian filmmaker, Waad al-Kateab, who filmed her life in rebel-held Aleppo through five years of the Syrian uprising.
She fell in love, got married and had a daughter all while filming the violence raging around her and in particular documenting the challenges the conflict imposed on women and children. Along with a close group of friends, she stayed in the city to fight for her dream of a free Syria, a struggle that ended in their defeat and exile.
The film weaves together her intimate, emotive footage with her struggle to come to terms with the trauma she has witnessed. It’s an outstanding story, by turns beautiful, shocking, surprising and uplifting.
Waad is a symbol for our times, the epitome of a bold, brave woman prepared to risk her life for what she believes, in a year when women are finally becoming the heroes of their own stories. Hers is an epic tale of the survival of love and courage amid the cruelty of war.
Official Selection SXSW 2019 - Documentary Feature Competition - World premiere
Official Selection Hot Docs 2019 - International Spectrum
Official Selection Cannes Film Festival 2019 - Special Screening
Academy Awards 2020 - Nomination - Best Documentary Feature