Macedon Ranges Rural Australian for Refugees (MRRAR) is hosting a film screening of the movie, For Sama, throughout the Macedon Ranges in June.
The documentary by Syrian activist, journalist, and filmmaker, Waad Al-Kateab, will be screened at Norma Richardson Hall, Woodend on June 21, at 7pm, and at the Church of Christ, New Gisborne on June 22, at 7pm.
The film is a love letter by Waad to her one-year-old daughter in case she does not survive the conflict in Aleppo, Syria.
For five years she documents her life falling in love, getting married and then giving birth to her daughter whilst living under constant siege in a hospital set up by her husband.
MRRAR member Colette Atkins has been a part of the group since April last year, and said she wanted to join due to the dire situation of the refugees in the community
“I’d seen the film during refugee week last year… I was pretty blown away by the impact of it and thought it would be good for the group,” she said.
“It’s because she’s filming this and living in a war zone at the time of filming, it makes you understand a bit more what people go through.
“I think people need to connect with that to understand why people come here.”
MRRAR said although the devastation of this conflict is heartbreaking, the film reveals incredible strength, resilience and love.
Waad fled Aleppo in 2016 for London and For Sama was released in 2019. During this time Waad also launched an Advocacy Campaign Action For Sama.
It is an education tool to highlight the ongoing situation in Syria and to end the impunity of perpetrators of war crimes targeting civilians and hospitals.
MRRAR welcomes any and all donations at the door, and a light supper will be served after each screening.
