What is the message of for Sama?

Al-Kateab’s footage unspools with astonishing force in the documentary For Sama. Directed by al-Kateab and Edward Watts, the film is both a record of brutality and loss — and a message from a mother to her daughter, Sama, about love, loyalty and perseverance in the face of impossible choices.

Is for Sama a true story?

In war-torn Aleppo, Waad Al-Kateab filmed her life with her daughter Sama. For five years, Syrian student al-Kateab lived and worked in the most harrowing circumstances.

Where is Sama and her family now?

I now live in London with my family, but Aleppo is my hometown. I have been overwhelmed by the positive reaction from people around the world who have loved my film FOR SAMA, related to my experience as a woman and mother, and wanted to do more.

Where is Waad al Kateab now?

London
After fleeing Aleppo in December 2016, Waad, her husband, and their two daughters now reside in London, United Kingdom.

How was for Sama filmed?

Waad al-Kateab films the ruins of a building destroyed by bombing in besieged east Aleppo, Syria for the Oscar-nominated documentary, “For Sama.” Kateab started shooting footage in Aleppo in 2011, first using her mobile phone and then using a small handheld camera.

What happens in for Sama?

The film closes with al-Kateab, her husband, Hamza, and their daughter Sama safely escaping Aleppo and arriving in Turkey. A second daughter, Taima, is born soon after. Since then, the family has claimed asylum in England, and today they live in London.

Is the footage in for Sama real?

“What you’ve seen in the film is literally less than 10\% of what the real situation is and the real footage I have,” Kateab adds. “And I’m just one person. Imagine there are more hospitals in the city and other people who filmed more in other places. This is a little bit of the real situation.”

How long is for Sama?

1h 40m
For Sama/Running time

What happens at the end of for Sama?

At the end, she and Hamza are forced to leave the Aleppo they have been fighting for. “Saying goodbye is worse than death,” intones Al Kateab as the camera pans past a burnt out bus on whose side the words “we will return,” are painted defiantly. “Will you blame me for staying here?” Al Kateab asks Sama in the film.

When was Sama born?