In the vibrant heart of Damascus, Lina, a tenacious filmmaker, emerged as a voice of resilience amidst the chaos of war. With her camera in hand, she embarked on a journey in 2011 to capture the unfolding story of Syria, motivated by a flicker of hope that soon dwindled into a long, tumultuous struggle spanning over a decade. Her documentary, Five Seasons of Revolution, recently showcased at the International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights in Geneva, chronicles this harrowing yet transformative time, co-hosted by the OMCT.
Reflecting on her decision to film, Lina explains, “We started shooting in the summer of 2011… I was optimistic, thinking it would be over in six months, maybe a year, with a release within two years. It took 12 years.” The filmmaking process evolved into a marathon of adaptation, requiring constant revisions as circumstances changed and participants’ safety became paramount. Technological advances, like deepfake technology, provided a beacon of hope for preserving anonymity while maintaining narrative integrity.
The unpredictable trajectory of the filmmaking process tested Lina’s resolve. She likened it to surfing, navigating chaotic waters where arrests and uncertainty loomed. Characters appeared and disappeared, contributing to the project’s evolving nature. She reflects on her own arrests and the subsequent necessity for her crew to strategise for her possible absence, emphasising the film’s precarious nature.
Identity became a challenging theme as Lina traversed various facades. “It was very confusing, but also very necessary,” she confided, describing how navigating different names created emotional divides. Embracing this complexity impacted her relationships, leaving her yearning for cohesion amidst chaos.
Her arrest experiences transformed her perspective on filmmaking and activism. Although familiar with the brutality of detention, the frequency of arrests induced a new sense of urgency and concern for her survival. Lina acknowledges that this realisation influenced her overarching decision-making in both filmmaking and personal life.
Lina aspires for audiences to glean three crucial insights from her documentary: the complexity of war defies simplistic narratives; in tumultuous situations, improvisation is key; and above all, the enduring power of friendship binds us together.
Her hopes for Syria are rooted in healing and resilience, wishing for a collective opportunity to process trauma and rebuild from the wreckage. “I hope people will be able to recover… It will take generations to rebuild the country,” she observes, emphasising the emotional toll endured by her compatriots.
As for her own journey, Lina approaches future projects with caution, acknowledging the intense commitment that filmmaking requires. While she currently lacks plans for a new film, she finds solace in witnessing a new wave of independent journalists emerging in Syria, especially women who bravely challenge oppression. “It really takes a load off my shoulders,” she concludes, hopeful and ready for a new chapter when inspiration strikes again.
Lina, a filmmaker from Syria, began documenting the conflict in 2011, leading to her film *Five Seasons of Revolution*. The project evolved through significant challenges, including her arrest and the safety concerns of her subjects. With hopes for recovery in Syria, she emphasises the importance of friendship and resilience as themes in her work. Lina is inspired by a new generation of journalists that have emerged in her country.
Lina’s journey as a filmmaker encapsulates the complexities of documenting conflict and the resilience of the human spirit. Her film, *Five Seasons of Revolution*, serves as a testimony to the struggles faced by the Syrian people while illustrating the profound effects of war on identity and community. As Lina channels her hopes into future generations of journalists, her unwavering spirit resonates, reminding us of the power of storytelling in the face of adversity.
Original Source: www.omct.org
