Showing @ Filmhouse, Edinburgh Mon 23 Jun & Cineworld, Edinburgh Fri 28 Jun
Joe Piscatella / USA, Syria / 2013 / 74 mins
Nineteen-year-old student Ala’a Basatneh is always on her mobile. She’s distracted in lectures, her grades have slipped, she’s up all night on Facebook and she even texts whilst driving despite her father’s warnings. So far, so mundane, you might think. But Ala’a isn’t posting selfies or sharing cat videos, she’s orchestrating a revolution 6000 miles away – and it’s becoming a full-time job.
Ala’a is one of a handful of Syrian expatriates playing the vital role of a hub. She deactivates the Facebook accounts of detained protesters, she edits their videos to ensure anonymity before uploading the films to YouTube, she helps to smuggle in discreet surveillance equipment from neighbouring countries. And she connects people. Size really does matter when it comes to protests but recruiting new members to the cause can be treacherous. Because Ala’a is trusted by a broad network of Syrians, she is able to help organise events to ensure more voices are heard.
#ChicagoGirl is full of shocking statistics and disturbing images but ultimately it’s a story as inspiring as it is humbling. The bravery and commitment of Ala’a and her friends in bringing the truth to the world’s attention, their savvy use of modern technology and the new media makes such alliances possible all offer hope in a world that’s fast becoming the future.
Showing as part of Edinburgh International Film Festival 2014