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Birds of War

Play trailer Birds of War 2026 1h 25m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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From besieged Aleppo to the confines of a London newsroom, Lebanese journalist Janay Boulos and Syrian activist/cameraman Abd Alkader Habak retrace their love story, using their vast personal archives stretching over 13 years of revolutions, war and exile. Can their love survive distance, danger and differences?

Critics Reviews

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Marya E. Gates RogerEbert.com Jan 27
The only major missteps of the doc are the overwrought score and the cold open . . .both artistic choices transform the doc from something intimate and raw into the world of sensationalism. Go to Full Review Martin Kudlac ScreenAnarchy 12h
Interwoven with scenes of violence and loss, the relationship offers a parallel narrative that situates war reporting within emotional and ethical entanglements. Go to Full Review Dipankar Sarkar Talking Films Jan 28
In Birds of War, Janay Boulos and Abd Alkader Habak turn the long arc of the Syrian civil war into something both intimate and quietly devastating. Go to Full Review Courtney Small POV Magazine Jan 27
Birds of Wars is a touching love story that finds hope and heart in the bonds that bring people together, even during conflicts designed to keep them apart. Go to Full Review Dave Giannini Geek Vibes Nation Jan 27
10/10
Birds of War may seem like an unapproachable, highly dramatic story that will make it difficult to connect, given our very different lives. However, there is enough eerie similarity between their world and ours to easily lock in with their story. Go to Full Review Joseph Tomastik Loud and Clear Reviews Jan 26
3/5
The story being told in Birds of War is so befitting of a classic narrative that I’d say it feels a little unrealistic had I not known that it’s obviously… well, real. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Cast & Crew

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Janay Boulos

Director

Abd Alkader Habak

Director

Janay Boulos

Self

Abd Alkader Habak

Self

Janay Boulos

Screenwriter

Abd Alkader Habak

Screenwriter
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Birds of War

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Movie Info

Synopsis From besieged Aleppo to the confines of a London newsroom, Lebanese journalist Janay Boulos and Syrian activist/cameraman Abd Alkader Habak retrace their love story, using their vast personal archives stretching over 13 years of revolutions, war and exile. Can their love survive distance, danger and differences?
Director
Janay Boulos, Abd Alkader Habak
Producer
Sonja Henrici, Janay Boulos, Abd Alkader Habak
Screenwriter
Janay Boulos, Abd Alkader Habak
Production Co
Sonja Henrici Creates
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
Arabic
Runtime
1h 25m