How did Abd Alkader Habak and Janay Boulos' relationship begin?

Their relationship began as a professional collaboration, with Habak providing on-the-ground coverage for Boulos, who was a journalist for the BBC in London during the Syrian civil war.

What is the broader theme explored in "Birds of War"?

Beyond their personal story, the film explores the challenges of modern journalism in covering prolonged conflicts and the shifting nature of global media attention.

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War zone love: Syrian activist and journalist find love

Q: What is the documentary "Birds of War" about?

The documentary "Birds of War" chronicles the deepening relationship between Syrian activist-cameraman Abd Alkader Habak and Lebanese journalist Janay Boulos, set against the backdrop of the Syrian civil war.

4 Feb

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Summary

A documentary chronicles a growing relationship between two people separated by continents.
Their bond evolved from professional collaboration to deep personal connection.
The film explores journalism's challenges in covering prolonged conflicts.

War zone love: Syrian activist and journalist find love

The documentary "Birds of War" chronicles an extraordinary relationship that developed between Syrian activist-cameraman Abd Alkader Habak and Lebanese journalist Janay Boulos. Initially a professional arrangement necessitated by the Syrian civil war's challenges for international media, their connection deepened significantly over thirteen years.

Through a personal archive of text messages and videos, the film traces their evolving bond. Boulos, working for the BBC in London, became increasingly aware of how global attention shifted away from Syria's ongoing tragedy, prompting her to seek more intimate human stories from Habak.

As their communication moved from professional updates to personal exchanges, they began calling each other "little bird." Habak became a central figure when he was photographed rescuing a child, an image that went viral and forced him to flee Syria. Boulos then traveled to meet him, leading to their marriage in London.