Introduction

For Sama (Arabic: إلى سماء‎ ‘ilā Samā‘) is a 2019 documentary film directed and narrated by Waad Al-Kateab, and produced by Al-Kateab and Edward Watts. The film focuses on Waad Al-Kateab’s journey as the wife of Hamza Al-Kateab, one of the few doctors left in Aleppo, as they raise their daughter Sama Al-Kateab during the Syrian Civil War.

The film had its world premiere at the South by Southwest festival on 11 March 2019, where it won the Documentary Feature Competition’s Grand Jury and Audience Awards.

For Sama made history when it was nominated in four categories in the BAFTA awards, making it the most nominated documentary ever. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 92nd Academy Awards.

Outline

The film shows Waad al-Kateab’s life through five years of the uprising in Aleppo, Syria.

An 18-year-old marketing student when the uprising began in 2011, she falls in love and gives birth to Sama whilst conflict begins to engulf the city.

She and her husband, a doctor, face an agonising decision to flee to safety or stay behind to help the innocent victims of war.

Production & Filming Details

• Director: Waad Al-Kateab and Edward Watts.
• Producer: Waa Al-Kateab.
• Music: Nainita Desai.
• Cinematography: Waad Al-Kateab.
• Editor: Chloe Lambourne and Simon McMahon.
• Production: PBS Frontline, Channel 4 News, and ITN Productions.
• Distributor: PBS Distribution (US) and Republic Film Distribution (UK).
• Release Date: 11 March 2019 (South by Southwest, SXSW).
• Running Time: 100 minutes.
• Country: UK, US and Syria.
• Language: Arabic.

YouTube Link