Anna Lindh Foundation

5 Seasons of Revolution: A Film Screening and Panel Discussion on Syria’s Struggle for Freedom

On March 18, 2025, Finjan, member of the Danish Network of the ALF,  warmly invites you to a special screening of 5 Seasons of Revolution, a deeply moving documentary that captures the personal and harrowing journey of Lina, a young Syrian filmmaker, as she documents her country’s struggle for freedom amidst a brutal and ongoing civil war. The screening, which will take place at Roskilde University Cinema, offers a rare and poignant insight into the Syrian conflict, showcasing Lina’s unwavering courage as she uses a series of aliases to avoid detection by the violent state forces. Through Lina’s eyes, the film paints a vivid and heartbreaking portrait of her friends: Susu, Rima, Malaz, and Bassel, whose lives are forever changed as they are slowly drawn into the fight for autonomy. Their story is one of survival, loss, and the devastating effects of a war that has altered Syria’s identity forever.

The film’s narrative unfolds across five distinct "seasons," each representing a phase in both Lina's personal evolution and the deepening chaos around her. The footage, often smuggled at great personal risk, not only sheds light on the atrocities of the regime but also offers an intimate look at the emotional and psychological toll the conflict takes on its people. As Lina’s journey takes her through the frontlines of war, where she witnesses unspeakable suffering and narrowly escapes capture, the film becomes more than just a historical account—it is a deeply human story about resilience, resistance, and the unbreakable spirit of a people determined to fight for a better future.

Following the screening, attendees are invited to stay for an enriching panel discussion featuring filmmakers, journalists, and experts who will reflect on the themes of the film, particularly focusing on the role of documentary filmmaking in preserving truth, shaping collective memory, and promoting social change. The panel will include Lina (the film’s director) if available, alongside Daro Hansen, a Syrian-Danish filmmaker; Henrik Grunet, a renowned journalist and film producer; and Ivan M. Nielsen, a former Danish diplomat who represented the Danish government on the Syrian crisis. This discussion will provide a unique opportunity to hear firsthand from those who have witnessed the conflict up close and gain deeper insights into the role of cinema in chronicling such pivotal moments in history.

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