“Syria: Trapped in Idlib” directed by Yaman Khatib, Fadi Al-Halabi et Suzanne Allant won 3 prize in the large format TV category of the 27th Bayeux Calvados-Normandie Prize for war reporters. The first prize: for the film's photographer: Fadi Al-Halabi, the second: for the film's set: Yaman Khatib, and the third: for the French director of Syrian origin Suzanne Allant.
The film, carried out for the French "Arte" channel, narrates aspects of the military campaign of the regime and Russia on Idlib governorate at the beginning of this year, and the huge wave of displacement of thousands toward the unknown.
The film reviews the stories of people who lost all their family members due to the bombing, conveying the suffering of the displaced and the problem of displacement that more than five million people still lived within a relatively small geographical part of the world.
At the beginning of the military campaign on Idlib at the end of 2019, Fadi and his colleague, "Yman Khatib", decided to complete the film in cooperation with the French director of Syrian origins, Suzanne Allant", and they ended in mid-March.
The young photographer pointed out that he had faced many difficulties in the journey of completing the film in which the humanitarian activist "Ahlam Al-Rasheed" participated, from moving from Turkey to Idlib and returning again.
At the beginning of the filming, Idlib was under a fierce military campaign, and even the displaced people that he accompanied with his colleague Yaman were being targeted by the regime forces, Russia and Iran.
Our interlocutor revealed that during their filming of one of the night scenes, they heard warnings from the observatories of the necessity to evacuate the camp, and while they were out. They miraculously survived.
Furthermore, Al-Halabi expressed that the title of the film simulates the reality of Idlib residents.
Al Halabi confirmed that the film team focused mainly on the human side, reminding the Europeans and their vision of the suffering that civilians are exposed to and the genocide committed against them under the pretext of fighting terrorism.
However, the source added that what he is constantly seeking is frank coverage, away from any political opinions or preconceptions.
"Fadi" pointed out that conveying the voice of people living in a catastrophic tragedy is what he was interested in with the film crew. They did not think much about the festivals and awards, and whether the awards are important and allow the film attendees to spread internationally.
The young photographer indicated that he dedicates this award to those who were the reason for the release of all the energies within him and "to everyone who strives to make our country better."
He added that he was proud of what he presented and the award he received, and he was very happy when he saw the fans of the international festival "Bayeux Calvados Normandy" standing and applauding the film.
He concluded that the real prize for him is when he sees the people sympathizing with the Syrian people and supporting their cause and the forces of evil stop bombing, killing and starving them.
By Faris Rifai
Zaman Al Wasl
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