
Since March 2021, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has estimated a total of 618,000 deaths in Syria as a result of the civil war brought on by President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. As of Dec. 8, 2024, the conflict has ended, but the pain endured by Syrians will be felt for generations to come—not only because of the destruction of their country but also because of the world’s perception of them.
In the U.S., Middle Easterners struggle with stereotypes that make people fear them. In 2023, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) reported a 178% increase in hate crimes directed toward Muslim Americans.
Fatimah El Zahraa Zeni, a second-generation Syrian-American director, wants the world to realize, “We’re all just people.”
“Amal,” a short film written by Zeni and produced by TFKR Films, aims to do just that.
“It’s actually a true story,” said Zeni. Inspired by a viral social media video of Syrian refugee Abdullah al-Mohamed who created a game for his 3-year-old daughter, Salwa, to turn her fear of the loud, falling bombs into laughter, Zeni decided to use this heartwarming and heartbreaking story to illustrate what life was like in the war-torn country.
With the help of a small but dedicated crew and a few generous donors, “Amal” came to life, showing its audience the untold stories of the most innocent victims of war.
Based in Aleppo, Syria, the film follows fearful 10-year-old Amal and her father, Bassam, living in a tent situated in an abandoned schoolyard. As they naively sleep, Amal is jolted awake by loud, ground-shaking blasts and intense sounds of jets. Her father can’t bear to see her live in fear, so he reminds her of “the game.”
Bassam turns on his radio, pulls out his miniature microphone, and tells Amal they are hosting a live radio show game where she is the contestant and must guess whether each incoming sound is a bomb or a jet. Amal becomes enthralled by the game, distracting her from her fear and demonstrating how a parent’s unconditional love for their child has no limits—even in the most dire situations.
The tragic ending of the film exposes the harsh reality Syrian families were forced to face: Even after doing everything in their power to protect their children, something out of their control could take their life at any given moment. Feeling compelled to protect the people you love is something everyone can relate to. “Amal” shows its audience that, at our core, we are all the same.
Check out “Amal” on YouTube and stay tuned for more from TKFR Films on their website.
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