Birds of War
The love story between two journalists covering the deteriorating situation in Syria unfolds through 13 years of personal archives and across revolutions, war, and exile. The winner of a Special Jury Award for Journalistic Impact at the Sundance Film Festival, this enthralling documentary focuses on the relationship between Janay, a London-based Lebanese reporter for the BBC, and Habak, a Syrian activist and cameraman who risks his life to capture the conflict on the ground. They meet and make a connection online when Janay sends queries, seeking footage of the nascent Syrian revolution. At first, their interaction is a professional collaboration conducted over text messages and voice notes as they document the growing strife. But gradually, despite having yet to meet in person, the relationship evolves into a deeply personal, intimate bond. Janay and Habak are an engaging couple in this deeply human tale of hope and love transcending the horrors of war. —Kelly Clement
Program Notes
Film program 85 minutes; followed by a post-screening conversation; total program runtime approximately 112 minutes
Director/s
Janay Boulos
A Lebanese journalist and documentary producer based between Lebanon and London, Janay Boulos has extensive experience across news, broadcast, digital, and field production. She is producing several documentaries for international outlets, including Al Jazeera and The New York Times, as well as her second feature documentary, Until the Buzzing Stops.
Abd Alkader Habak
A Syrian cinematographer, activist, and documentary filmmaker, Abd Alkader Habak documented six years of the Syrian revolution. Based between London and Syria, his work blends journalism and human rights storytelling, exploring identity, exile, and return. Currently, he is working on two short documentaries and his second feature, Until the Buzzing Stops.
Expected Guests
JANAY BOULOS • Director