Watch Cries from Syria

Cries from Syria is a heart-wrenching documentary that tells the story of the ongoing Syrian crisis. The movie traces the history of the conflict since the first protests erupted in 2011, to its escalation into a full-blown civil war, and the current refugee crisis in Europe. The film is directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Evgeny Afineevsky, who immerses the audience in the stark reality of Syrian people's lives. Afineevsky uses a mix of raw footage captured by ordinary citizens, news clips, and interviews with activists, journalists, and refugees to present an emotional and insightful perspective of what it’s like to live through the brutal war in Syria.

Cries from Syria exposes the atrocities committed by both the regime as well as the extremist groups like ISIS. It highlights the reality of life of the Syrian people, who are caught up in the conflict, and the horrors they face every day, including indiscriminate shelling, arbitrary arrests, torture, and bombing.

The documentary includes interviews of several activists and former citizens of the country, now living in exile, who narrate their experiences and stories of personal loss. The documentary follows the journey of these Syrians, who escaped violence and detention by the Assad regime and fled to refugee camps in neighboring countries like Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon.

The film also sheds light on the crucial role of citizen journalists in documenting the realities of the war on the ground. Showing the courage of Syrian activists and White Helmets, the volunteer rescuers who are commonly known as the "life-savers," in documenting and reporting the atrocities, even when it means risking their own lives.

Cries from Syria serves to educate and increase awareness about the Syrian conflict and refugees' plight. The film reveals the faces behind the statistics, the human toll of the war, and the daily challenges faced by those who escaped the conflict.

The cinematography is remarkable, as it captures the essence of Syrian culture, the multi-ethnic and religious diversity, and the before-and-after of cities and towns destroyed by bombings. It is an emotionally intense and powerful movie that evokes a myriad of emotions and leaves a long-lasting impact on its viewers.

Overall, Cries from Syria is a raw and gripping portrayal of the Syrian conflict, its impact on the individuals, and the Syrian diaspora. It is a remarkable documentary that puts a spotlight on the suffering of the Syrian people, creating a sense of urgency and prompting the international community to action.

Cries from Syria is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.3 and a MetaScore of 76.