Amer, 45, met Raghda, 40, in a Syrian prison cell 15 years ago. He first saw her bloodied face after a beating when she was placed in a neighboring cell. Over months they communicated through a tiny hole they’d secretly made in the wall. They fell in love and when released got married and started a family together. A Syrian Love Story tells the poignant story of their family torn apart by the tyrannical Assad dictatorship. A recent prize winner at Sheffield DocFest, Sean McAllister’s is a powerful and moving observation of intimacy and exile.
“★★★★★ This unmissable documentary uncovers the heartbreaking story of a couple whose relationship disintegrates as they flee the horrors of Syria.” The Guardian
“★★★★★ […] the deeper human truths of this documentary are here to stay.” Financial Times
“★★★★ Heartbreaking portrait of a marriage unravelling.” The Independent
“★★★★ Sean McAllister’s intimate, achingly poignant documentary couldn’t be more timely.” The Times
“Strong powerful film… conveys much more than any fiction could.” BBC Front Row