Film Lens
Beside Heroes follows Wali, an ex-sniper from Canada, as he travels to Syria to fight against the Islamic State. Along the way, he meets two Americans: Rebaz, a veteran of the Iraq war, and Zyrian, a homosexual idealist. The film captures their interactions and experiences as they join forces with the Kurdish people, who are depicted as welcoming and supportive amidst the chaos of the Syrian civil war.
The documentary focuses on the motivations and actions of these volunteer fighters, emphasizing that real change requires direct action. Through their journey, the film presents a raw and unfiltered look at the realities of war, the complexities of identity, and the fight against fanatical terrorism.
Why Watch
- •Meet Wali, the Canadian ex-sniper fighting ISIS in Syria.
- •Follow Rebaz, the Iraq war veteran, as he confronts new battles.
- •Find out how Kurds support foreign fighters against terrorism.
Did You Know
•Wali leaves Canada to fight ISIS, motivated by his past as a sniper.
•Rebaz is a veteran of the Iraq war, bringing military experience to the group.
•Zyrian identifies as a homosexual idealist, adding a unique perspective to the team.
Perfect For
Kurdish cultureMiddle Eastern conflictsVolunteer fighters