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‘Get away from there
Birds of War is an award-winning docudrama in which its own directors fall in love while reporting the horrors in Syria. They explain why they needed a psychotherapist to complete it
TL;DR
- Birds of War is a documentary directed by Syrian activist Abd Alkader Habak and Lebanese journalist Janay Boulos.
- The film uses 13 years of archive footage, voice notes, selfies, and messages to tell the story of Habak and Boulos's relationship.
- Initially colleagues documenting the Syrian civil war, their connection deepens as Boulos expresses concern for Habak's safety.
- The documentary explores themes of belonging, hope, and the emotional impact of modern conflict journalism.
- Habak and Boulos fell in love amidst the war, eventually marrying and moving to London, where they founded an independent production company.
- A psychotherapist was involved in the film's editorial process to help manage traumatic material.
- The film concludes with Habak returning to Syria after an opposition offensive, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty in the region.