Paramount+ Sets Release Date for Docu ‘Death Without Mercy’ About Turkish-Syrian Border Earthquake (EXCLUSIVE)

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The new documentary by Syrian filmmaker Waad Al-Kateab, titled “Death Without Mercy,” is set to stream online on Paramount+ starting February 6.

The MTV Documentary Film titled “The Docu” chronicles two Syrian families for a ten-day period following the catastrophic 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit the Turkish-Syrian border in 2023, which claimed approximately 55,000 lives. This heartrending film is set to premiere on Paramount+ on the second anniversary of this tragic event.

Waheed al-Kateab, an activist and filmmaker behind the 2020 Oscar-nominated documentary “For Sama,” was not physically present in Syria during the 2023 earthquake. Upon learning about the catastrophe from London, Al-Kateab swiftly connected with individuals affected by the disaster, such as her acquaintances Fadi Al Halabi, a cameraman for the Oscar-winning short film “The White Helmets,” and Fuad Sayed Issa, founder of a humanitarian organization run by Syrian refugees called Violet.

Al-Kateab emphasized repeatedly for them to film, stating, ‘It’s crucial that we record as much as possible.’ However, at the time, they didn’t have any film available. What mattered most to him was ensuring that this significant event was properly documented.”

Or, more casually:

“Al-Kateab asked them to film over and over again. He really wanted to capture as much as he could on camera because he felt it was important to document such a huge tragedy.

Not long after that, Al-Kateab received a call from producer Sheila Nevins, who was then in charge of MTV Documentary Film. This resulted in the creation of “Death Without Mercy,” a film that debuted at the Sheffield DocFest last year. It combines personal, firsthand footage with TV news broadcasts, social media posts, CCTV footage, drone shots, archival material, and insightful interviews.

The document tells the story of two Syrian families who are desperately seeking their lost relatives, all while uncovering the deep-rooted corruption, government indifference, and systematic flaws that significantly worsened the catastrophe’s aftermath.

According to Al-Kateab, Sheila played a crucial role in this movie. As soon as we spoke on the phone, I sensed a deeply committed individual who was fiercely passionate and outraged. She shared my Syrian anger, a frustration borne from feeling betrayed by the world and this terrible catastrophe. This revelation was enlightening for me because I knew that with Sheila on board, I would be in good hands; she would champion my cause and help me tell this story as effectively as possible.

According to Al-Kateab, she crafted this film as a tribute to the resilience and humanity of people impacted by the Turkey-Syria earthquake disaster. This movie serves as a symbol of their bravery, sorrow, and unyielding resolve to hold onto hope amidst unspeakable loss. By sharing their experiences, she aims to foster understanding, responsibility, and a pledge to prevent similar, avoidable destruction from happening again in other communities.

She notes, “Watching the wildfires in Los Angeles significantly intensifies this movie’s impact and fosters a shared understanding of how devastating such events can be. It’s truly heartbreaking. Many dear friends of ours reside in L.A., yet it serves as a grim reminder that things need to improve, that they must change. Consequently, I believe the importance of this film has never been greater.

In December, the power was peacefully seized from Syrian President Bashar Assad by Islamist rebels, marking the end of a 13-year long civil war in Syria. This conflict resulted in over half a million deaths and forced millions of Syrians to flee their homeland, leaving it behind.

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2025-01-17 21:17