2014. Just emancipated from Bashar al-Assad’s regime, the city of Raqqa (northern Syria), fell into the hands of the Islamic State, which made it the capital of its self-proclaimed caliphate. From then on, Raqqa became the epicenter of the war against ISIS. In October 2017, after months of fierce fighting, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) backed by the US-led coalition finally liberated the city. But at what cost?
Once ISIS’ stronghold had been dismantled, the Coalition left behind a city in ruins - 80% destroyed by its bombardments. The UN did not organize any international conference to rebuild the city. Today the people of Raqqa, terrorized by the jihadist yoke and devastated by the ferocious repression, have been abandoned to their fate and are still struggling to get back on their feet.
10 years after the city was taken by ISIS, and 7 years after its liberation, Hélène Lam Trong went to Raqqa to hear from those who have borne the brunt of this tragedy. Through the individual fates of Zouheir, Ali, Bashir, Mustafa, Emane, Faris, Massoud and Zeina, this documentary will unravel the workings of an inextricable global conflict.
Direction: Hélène Lam Trong
Production: Tohubohu for France Télévisions