

The Syrian Civil War Pt.5: The Siege of Southern Damascus
11 snips Apr 16, 2025
Matar Ismail, a documentary filmmaker and political activist from Masyaf, shares his gripping experiences from the Syrian Civil War. He discusses his early activism and the risks he faced while documenting protests, including imprisonment and torture. Matar vividly recounts the brutal Siege of Southern Damascus, detailing the dire humanitarian crisis and the complex dynamics between rebel factions and the Assad regime. His personal stories highlight the resilience of his community amidst unimaginable hardships, as well as the toll of war on civilians.
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Homecoming
- Matar Ismail, a documentary filmmaker, returned to his Syrian hometown, Masyaf, after years of exile in London.
- His return was a surreal experience, like transitioning between different realities in a film.
Family History
- Matar Ismail's real name is Jamal Abdul Nasser al-Umar, named after the Egyptian president.
- His family fostered political activism and critical thinking from a young age.
Documenting Protests
- As a media student, Matar documented Syrian protests using a hidden digital camera.
- He concealed protesters' faces for their safety and uploaded footage online.