Yet, behind the bloodshed, For Sama presents itself as a love story on many levels; one of Waad and Hamza's love for each other, also one of compassionate love for the city of Aleppo, but ultimately, as the title suggests, this film is Waad's love letter to her daughter, Sama.
Waad explains how the plight of the rebels was muddied by an influx of Islamic extremists. However, the film wisely avoids getting too bogged down in the politics of war, rather, locking its attention on the plight of the innocent civilians at ground level, specifically the children caught up in the bombing.
One heartbreaking scene in which two young boys softly weep over the body of their brother, a victim of yet another bomb, is particularly difficult to stomach.
Such scenes, harrowing as they are, are necessary and serve to focus the film's humanist concerns, as well as crystallise Waad and Hamza's personal moral edict to stay and save lives rather than flee.
Never losing sight of the medium of film, Waad and her co-director, Edward Watts, have wrangled more than 500 hours of hand-held footage and weaved it into a strong piece of cinema.
The result is a profoundly intimate yet horrifically heartbreaking film—a powerful document of love and injustice that traverses an array of emotions. For Sama is essential viewing.
Cast: Waad Al-Kateab, Hamza Al-Khateab, Sama Al-Khateab
Director: Waad Al-Kateab and Edward Watts
Running time: 100 mins
Rating: RP16 ( Graphic content may disturb)
Verdict: Probably the most courageous documentary you'll see this year.
