For Sama

In the midst of war-torn Aleppo, Syria, Waad al-Kateab's life is turned upside down as the civil war intensifies, and she finds herself entrenched in the midst of it all. Her story, as captured on camera, becomes a poignant love letter to her young daughter, Sama, as she navigates the impossible choices that come with being a mother in the midst of conflict. The film opens with Waad, a young activist, who is deeply invested in the struggle for freedom in Syria. She meets her future husband, Hamza, and the two begin a romantic relationship that blossoms amidst the chaos. As their love grows, Waad becomes pregnant with Sama, and the couple looks forward to starting a new life together. However, the harsh realities of war soon set in. Aleppo is besieged, and the sound of gunfire and explosions becomes a constant presence in Waad's life. She documents the devastating effects of the conflict on her city, her community, and her loved ones, but also captures moments of resilience, laughter, and hope. As a medic at a makeshift hospital, Waad confronts the brutal realities of war, treating wounded civilians and documenting the carnage. She also witnesses the bravery and selflessness of the Syrian people, who risk everything to help each other in the face of overwhelming odds. As the conflict escalates, Waad's thoughts turn to her unborn child. She is torn between her duty to her country and her desire to protect her daughter's life. She debates with Hamza about whether to stay in Aleppo or flee to a safer area, but they both know that leaving behind the fight for freedom would be a betrayal of everything they have worked for. As Waad's pregnancy progresses, she faces the harsh realities of war firsthand. She gives birth to Sama in a makeshift hospital, surrounded by the sound of gunfire and the smell of smoke. The baby's arrival brings a moment of joy in an otherwise unbearable situation, but it also raises the stakes for Waad and her family. As the months go by, Waad becomes increasingly obsessed with the idea of leaving Aleppo with Sama, but every time she thinks she has made up her mind, something changes. Hamza is shot and wounded, and Waad is forced to care for him and their baby on her own. The hospital where she works is bombed, and Waad is forced to flee for her life. Throughout it all, Waad's camera captures the intimate moments of her life, from the tender moments with Sama to the despairing moments when she feels like giving up. She also captures the vast, sprawling city, its streets filled with people on the move, its buildings damaged, and its history slowly being erased. As the years pass, Waad witnesses the devastating effects of war on her city and her people. She sees entire neighborhoods destroyed, her friends and colleagues killed, and the infrastructure of Aleppo crumbling. Yet, she also witnesses the resilience of the Syrian people, their determination to survive, and their refusal to give up. In the end, Waad's love letter to Sama becomes a testament to the power of hope and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. It is a story about a mother's love, her daughter's survival, and the struggle for freedom in the face of overwhelming odds. Through Waad's eyes, we see the world anew – a world where love, loss, and hope are intertwined, and the human spirit is capable of enduring even the greatest of hardships.