Truth depends on what propaganda you let in your home
The first film to make my best of 2026 list is BIRDS OF WAR. Sure, it’s early but greatness can’t be discounted as being too early in the process.
The film is the story of Janay Boulos who is from Lebanon. Living in London she works for the BBC. While handling contacts in Syria she makes contact with Abd Alkader Habak, a Syrian journalist recording the war as it was happening on the ground. Because Syria did not want journalists in the country people like Habak were the only way reporting could get out. Over the course of years, the pair bond and fall in love.
This is magnificent. I don’t know what to say.
The story of the pair is told via texts, calls, reporting and current day documentary footage. It’s a film that takes us into their lives, their countries and their hearts and we are better for it.
I was deeply moved and several time I found myself misty, not because of some bit emotionally manipulated moment but because something simple had been said in passing and the now was bridged to then.
I ultimately have no notes. While I would want to critique bits of the film for my own stupid reasons, I am smart enough to know that this isn’t my story but theirs and I have no right to quibble. That said when you do see this film, and you should, you need to give yourself over to it and let it play out. Boulos and Habak do not cook the books and how things go is how things went so it may take a moment for you to click into the flow of life.
The first great film I saw in 2026, BIRDS OF WAR is a must see.
I am working on an interview with the diectors/subjects.
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