A love letter from a young mother to her daughter, the film tells the story of Waad al-Kateab’s life through five years of the uprising in Aleppo, Syria as she falls in love, gets married and gives birth to Sama, all while cataclysmic conflict rises around her. Her camera captures incredible stories of loss, laughter and survival as Waad wrestles with an impossible choice– whether or not to flee the city to protect her daughter’s life, when leaving means abandoning the struggle for freedom for which she has already sacrificed so much.

As intimate as it is heartbreakingly resonant, For Sama powerfully distills the difficult choices faced by citizens of war-torn regions.

'For Sama' is a profoundly moving and thought-provoking documentary that delivers powerful social commentary on the Syrian conflict. The film's emotional weight left viewers deeply affected, with many crying throughout as they witnessed the war through a young mother's perspective. Praised for its eye-opening portrayal of civilian suffering and international inaction, the documentary challenges Western privilege and prompts reflection on refugee crises. While some found the graphic content difficult to witness, most considered it essential viewing that shifts perspectives on life and humanitarian issues.