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.

Now making independent documentaries, Boulos and Habak aim to capture the complexity of human experiences often lost in fast-paced news cycles. They believe in empowering individuals to share their own stories, advocating for a more empathetic and comprehensive form of journalism.