The love story of London-based Lebanese journalist and Syrian activist/cameraman as told through thirteen years of personal archives across revolutions, war and exile.
SYNOPSIS
The love story of a London-based Lebanese journalist and a Syrian activist and cameraman as told through 13 years of personal archives across revolutions, war, and exile.
“Can you find a story and film it?”
“Yes, but who are you? All I know is that you’re from the BBC.”
Although they wouldn’t realize it yet, this text exchange begins the love story of filmmakers Janay Boulos and Abd Alkader Habak. With international journalists banned during the Syrian civil war, outlets like the BBC must rely on activists on the ground to provide footage. Trading text messages and voice notes between London and Aleppo, Boulos tasks Habak to capture editorially approved stories, but, gradually, theirs shifts from a working relationship to something more. Immersive and emotional, Birds of War traces their parallel lives — Boulos becoming disenchanted with journalism, Habak facing the inevitable fall of Aleppo — as they grow closer. As both Syria and Boulos’ homeland of Lebanon undergo dramatic developments, the couple reflects on the sacrifices made because of politics and war, but also on what they’ve gained. — Sundance Film Festival / BT
Director Statement
BIRDS OF WAR is unique because it is told by two journalists who are not only covering history, but also living it. We are both the subjects and the storytellers.
In crafting ‘Birds of War,’ we embarked on a journey that transcends borders and political narratives, weaving our love story through the wars, revolutions, and shifting realities of Lebanon and Syria. The film mirrors the complexities of the region we call home, yet it is ultimately a deeply human exploration of connection, an insistence that love can grow even in the most fractured landscapes.
‘Birds of War’ captures how conflict reshapes relationships, identity, and belonging, across borders.
This film is an intimate chronicle of love, displacement, and survival, shaped by years of revolution and exile, while rooted deep in our lived experience of history unfolding in real time.
Supporter Statement
“‘Birds of War’ is an extraordinary, intimate love story forged in the shadow of conflict,” Told through years of personal archives, it brings rare emotional clarity to war, exile and the cost of bearing witness.”
said Dogwoof CCO Oli Harbottle. (Variety, 16 Dec 2025)
ABOUT FILMMAKER(S)
Director Janay Boulos
A Lebanese journalist and documentary producer based between Lebanon and London, Boulos has extensive experience across news, broadcast, digital, and field production. She is producing several documentaries for international outlets, including Al Jazeera and The New York Times, as well as her second feature documentary, Until the Buzzing Stops.
Director Abd Alkader Habak
A Syrian cinematographer, activist, and documentary filmmaker, Habak documented six years of the Syrian revolution. Based between London and Syria, his work blends journalism and human rights storytelling, exploring identity, exile, and return. Currently, he is working on two short documentaries and his second feature, Until the Buzzing Stops.
Sonja Henrici is an international BAFTA-nominated producer of multiple international feature documentaries: including the acclaimed MERKEL (Telluride / Netflix), TRACING LIGHT (DOKLeipzig Opening Film 2024), THE OIL MACHINE (IDFA / BBC), BECOMING ANIMAL (CPH DOX 2018); TIME TRIAL, a film with ex-cyclist David Millar (IDFA / SXSW); DONKEYOTE (2017) (EIFF Best Feature Documentary); SEVEN SONGS FOR A LONG LIFE (SXSW); “One of the year’s most moving films.” (Hollywood Reporter): I AM BREATHING (2013). In 2021 she set up Sonja Henrici Creates Ltd for all her creative and production work. As German-British she loves to collaborate internationally from her base in Edinburgh. FRSA. AMPAS, BAFTA Member.
RELATED LINKS
PROMOTE THIS PROJECT
Put a donation widget on your site. Click here for code.
ABOUT YOUR DONATION
Women Make Movies (WMM), Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit media arts organization registered with the New York Charities Bureau of New York State and accepts charitable donations on behalf of this project. Your donation will be spent by the filmmaker(s) toward the production and completion of this media project. No services or goods are provided by Women Make Movies, the filmmaker(s) or anyone else associated with this project in exchange for your charitable donation.
Your contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law, and a confirmation of your donation will be sent via email. WMM will send you an acknowledgement letter in the mail to the address listed for tax purposes.