As the bombardment in the Syrian city of Homs continues, Channel 4 News broadcasts a special report from Mani Benchelah who captures with shocking clarity the intense assault on the city.
‘Mani’s crystal clear and incredible footage gives perhaps the clearest and most frightening account of what Homs has been like...’ Channel 4 News.
Director, Filmmaker : Mani Benchelah Executive producers : Nevine Mabro, Ben de Pear Edit producer : Teresa Smith Editor : Agnieszka Liggett Narrated by : Jonathan Miller
Journalist Kamal Kaddourah also played an important part in bringing the film to air.
ITN/ Channel 4 News Production
Awards Won
Emmy award for News & Documentary
Royal Television Society award for News
Rory Peck award for News
Foreign Press Association award for News
Front Line Club award for News
Amnesty International Media award for Gaby Rado category
Awards Nominated
BAFTA for News Coverage
Royal Television Society awards for Camera Operator Of The Year
Amnesty International Media awards for News
Distribution
Channel 4 News, CNN, France 2, ZDF, NOS News, VRT and SVT.
It has also been used as crucial footage in many documentary films on Syria’s recent history including a PBS Frontline film.
“An outstanding production of a horrific story. (It) fulfills the vital obligation of journalists and broadcasters to tell us what is really going on in our world, no matter how disturbing or controversial.”
“Mani went into one of the most dangerous places on earth but never lost his film-maker's eye. Because of the amount of time he spent in Homs - and because of his Arabic - he has managed to tell a complete story. There are some exceptional moments - the street fighting, the sniper alley - which he films bravely and with a remarkable sense of framing. It is profoundly moving work.”
“A moving and supremely honest film made by French photographer Mani Benchelah who captured, over a period of several weeks, the reality of day-to-day life – and death – in the Syrian city of Homs. The Jury was unanimous in the view that Mani’s film pierced through all other coverage from the beleaguered City and defined the Syria conflict for millions of people.”
