Watch Daraya: A Library Under Bombs

Daraya: A Library Under Bombs is a documentary film directed by Delphine Minoui and Bruno Joucla, which explores the incredible story of a group of Syrian activists who, during the siege of their hometown of Daraya, transformed an underground shelter into a secret library. The film takes us through the events of the Syrian civil war, and specifically the brutal siege of Daraya, which lasted four years and left the town without electricity, water, or food. Amidst the horror and destruction, a group of young activists, led by Ahmad, came together to create a library for the people of their town.

The library was no ordinary building - it was an underground shelter, created from a bombed-out basement. The activists went to great lengths to stock the library with books, bringing in volumes from across Syria and even smuggling them in through secret tunnels. They created a cataloguing system, built shelves from scrap metal, and even found ways to restore water-damaged books.

The library drew people from all parts of Daraya - young and old, men and women. War-weary residents found solace in the books, using them as a means of escape from the horrors outside. The activists also held events and classes, including a weekly discussion group where residents could come together to talk about issues facing their town and their country.

The library became a symbol of hope and resilience for the people of Daraya, and an important source of knowledge and education. But it also put the activists in danger - the regime saw the library as a threat, a gathering place for dissidents and an affront to their authority. The activists lived in constant fear of raids, arrests, and even death.

Throughout the film, we see the incredible determination and courage of the activists. Ahmad and his fellow activists risk their lives on a daily basis, smuggling books past checkpoints and hidden between layers of clothing. They confront soldiers and secret police, standing up for their rights and the right to knowledge.

But the film is not just a story of bravery and determination - it also captures the human moments that make up life in a war zone. We see the activists joking with one another, sharing meals and stories, and trying to find moments of joy amidst the darkness. We see the people of Daraya coming together to rebuild their town, even as it is being destroyed around them.

In the end, Daraya: A Library Under Bombs is a powerful tribute to the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Despite the unspeakable horrors they faced, the activists of Daraya refused to be silenced or broken. They held on to their love of books and their belief in a better future, knowing that one day they would emerge from the darkness.

This is a film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled - a testament to the power of literature, the resilience of the human spirit, and the unbreakable bonds of community. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the Syrian conflict, the human cost of war, and the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice.

Daraya: A Library Under Bombs is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 3 minutes.