For Sama (2019)

Kernel Score: 90% · 303 ratings

Genres: Documentary, War

Released: 2019-07-26

Runtime: 100 minutes

Overview

A love letter from a young mother to her daughter, the film tells the story of Waad al-Kateab’s life through five years of the uprising in Aleppo, Syria as she falls in love, gets married and gives birth to Sama, all while cataclysmic conflict rises around her. Her camera captures incredible stories of loss, laughter and survival as Waad wrestles with an impossible choice– whether or not to flee the city to protect her daughter’s life, when leaving means abandoning the struggle for freedom for which she has already sacrificed so much.

For Sama parents' guide: ages 13+

Parents need to know that For Sama is a harrowing documentary about a mother raising her daughter during the siege of Aleppo.

Violence & scariness: Strong — Documentary footage captures real wartime destruction and loss during the Syrian conflict.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like For Sama

If you liked For Sama, these are the movies we'd watch next.

The White Helmets (2016) — 82%
Play (2019) — 80%
Zero Days (2016) — 83%
Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010) — 85%
A Girl Like Her (2015) — 79%
Man Bites Dog (1992) — 82%
Husbands and Wives (1992) — 78%
One Cut of the Dead (2017) — 86%

Director

Waad al-Kateab

Cast

Sama Al-Khateab as Self
Hamza Al-Khateab as Self
Waad al-Kateab as Self

For Sama FAQ

Is For Sama good?

For Sama has a 90% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 303 audience ratings.

Is For Sama OK for kids?

Fresh Kernels suggests ages 13+. Parents need to know that For Sama is a harrowing documentary about a mother raising her daughter during the siege of Aleppo.

What movies are like For Sama?

If you liked For Sama, try The White Helmets, Play, Zero Days and Exit Through the Gift Shop.