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Deep Dive: Return to Homs (2013)

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Return to Homs
Return to Homs follows Abdul Baset al-Sarout, a 19-year-old goalkeeper for the national football team, and his friend Ossama, a 24-year-old media activist, during the Syrian Civil War. The film captures their lives in Homs, a city devastated by government forces, as they transition from peaceful protests to armed rebellion. The documentary presents a stark portrayal of their daily struggles and the destruction of their homes and dreams. Directed by Talal Derki, the film premiered at the 2013 International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam and later at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Grand Jury Prize. It features immersive footage from the conflict zone, allowing viewers to witness the harsh realities faced by the protagonists as they navigate the chaos of war and their fight for freedom.

Why Watch

  • •Follow Abdul Baset al-Sarout's transformation from athlete to rebel.
  • •See the impact of the Syrian Civil War on everyday lives.
  • •Meet Ossama, a media activist documenting the conflict.

Did You Know

•The film premiered at the 2013 International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam on November 20, 2013.
•Return to Homs won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival.
•The film's TV rights were sold to five different networks across four countries.
•It served as the closing film at the 2014 Human Rights Film Festival on March 28.

Perfect For

Syrian Civil WarDocumentary filmmakingHuman rights issues