The War Show - Trailer
Radio host Obaidah Zytoon captures the fate of Syria through the intimate lens of a small circle of friends and journalists. Beginning with peaceful Arab Spring protests 2011, The War Show offers a four-year, ground-level look at how the country spiraled into bloody civil war.
Previews + Extras
Classroom Clip: Meeting Obaidah and Amal
S30 E4 - 5m 38s
Obaidah, the film’s narrator, introduces her radio show and one of her devoted listeners, Amal, who risks her safety by using her phone to film street protests. Obaidah explains, “The regime’s biggest fear were those who held camera’s, so they were the first to be eliminated.”
Classroom Clip: Meeting Lulu
S30 E4 - 1m 33s
Lulu participates in her first demonstration. Obaidah describes the ritual of disobedience.
Classroom Clip: Meeting Rabea
S30 E4 - 3m 46s
We see demonstrations and the Assad government creating propaganda (“false news”) to convince Syrians that everything is fine and no one is dissatisfied. We hear about Rabea’s arrest for being a heavy metal musician and how the government fought art with violence.
Classroom Clip: From Protest to Armed Conflict
S30 E4 - 4m 7s
A young girl tearfully recalls an uncle who was shot and killed during a demonstration; We find out that “truth is the first casualty of conflict” when a car explosion is erroneously blamed on government forces, which escalates protests. And we learn about one source of weapons.
Classroom Clip: Friends Die
S30 E4 - 2m 50s
We learn about members of Obaidah’s small group of friends who are attacked, arrested, and murdered. Rather than scaring away those who remain, it increases their resolve to stay.
Classroom Clip: More Than One Enemy
S30 E4 - 2m 50s
Obaidah and friends are threatened by opponents to Assad who want to create an Islamic caliphate, rather than a civil society in Syria. Now they are combatting two enemies.
Classroom Clip: Epilogue
S30 E4 - 3m 50s
We find out what happens to Amal, Lulu, and Rabea. The scene includes graphic photos of men murdered in Syrian prisons, including Rabea.
Behind the Lens: Why you should watch The War Show
S30 E4 - 49s
Andreas Dalsgaard explains why you should watch The War Show in 30 seconds.
Behind the Lens: How does The War Show portray Syria through
S30 E4 - 1m 39s
Andreas Dalsgaard on The War Show's unique point of view on Syria and the Arab Spring
Similar Shows
WETA Passport
Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.