Watch 7 Days in Syria

"7 Days in Syria" is a powerful documentary about the Syrian war, directed and produced by Robert Rippberger in 2015. The film features journalist Janine di Giovanni, photojournalist Nicole Tung, and filmmaker Omar Hattab as they embark on a perilous journey to report on the desperate situation in Syria during the midst of the brutal conflict.

The documentary traces the seven-day journey of the trio as they investigate the impact of the war on Syrian civilians in cities like Homs, Aleppo, and Damascus. The film sheds light on the increasingly complex and bloody conflict that began in 2011 as peaceful protests in Syria and quickly escalated into a full-scale civil war. The war has displaced millions of people, killed hundreds of thousands and continues to leave millions struggling to survive.

The film shows the courage and persistence of journalists and photographers who risk their lives to bring attention to the conflict and its devastating impact on civilians. They document the experiences of families who are struggling to survive in the face of indiscriminate bombings and constant fighting. Woven throughout the film is deeply personal and emotional footage documenting the lasting effects of the war on the lives of everyday Syrians.

The documentary provides an up-close and terrifying look at the harsh realities of this brutal conflict. It shows how lives have been irrevocably torn apart, with people forced to flee their homes, unable to return or live normally. It also highlights how the conflict is far more complex than what is often depicted in the media, with a range of political, social, and ideological factors at play.

The film also explores the challenges journalists face when reporting from conflict zones, particularly in regards to safety and the ethical dilemmas they face when covering the suffering of others. Footage of journalists and photographers being targeted by snipers, caught in crossfires and shelling, and injured or killed as a result, brings home the danger and risks they face in doing their jobs.

Overall, "7 Days in Syria" is a heartrending and raw portrayal of the devastating effects of war on ordinary people. It forces viewers to grapple with the human cost of the conflict and to consider the role of journalists and photographers in bearing witness to the suffering of others. The film reminds us that as long as the war continues to rage in Syria, the world needs to be reminded of the terrible impact that it has on the lives of ordinary people. "7 Days in Syria" is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the human face of one of the 21st century's most devastating conflicts.

7 Days in Syria is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.9.