THE WAR SHOW is the story of the Syrian radio host Obaidah Zytoon and her friends, who in March 2011 join the street protests against the oppressive regime. The group lives among artists and activists and knowing the Arab Spring will forever change their country, this group of artists and activists begin filming their lives as they participate in the demonstrations against President Assad. But as the regime’s violent response spirals the country into a bloody civil war, their hopes for a better future are tested by violence, imprisonment and death.

Obaidah Zytoon leaves Damascus and journeys around the country, from her hometown of Zabadani, to the centre of the rebellion in Homs, to northern Syria where she witnesses the rise of extremism.
THE WAR SHOW is a deeply personal road movie, that captures the fate of Syria through the intimate lens of a small circle of friends, whose life and dreams are turned into nightmares, while the country collapses into chaos around them.

Obaidah Zytoon
Director/writer

Obaidah Zytoon was born in Zabadani, Syria in 1976. She studied English Literature at the University of Damascus before becoming a radio host and producer, working both in Syria and internationally. In 2008, Obaidah produced her first documentary film, THROUGH WOMEN'S EYES. Following the 2011 Syrian uprising, Obaidah co-founded the Syrian artist/activist collective Waw Al-Wasel, which produces multi-media art and short films related to the Syrian conflict. She has also coached and trained young Syrians entering media and radio production. THE WAR SHOW is Obaidah’s first film as a director.

Andreas Dalgsaard
Director/writer

Born in 1980, grew up in northern Denmark, Andreas Dalsgaard has directed documentaries for over a decade. Educated in Anthropology at Aarhus University and Paris VII, and film directing at The Danish National Film School, his award-winning films have been shown at +200 festivals world-wide and include AFGHAN MUSCLES (2007, American Film Institute Grand Prix), COPENHAGEN (2009, World Best Graduation Film), BOGOTA CHANGE (2009), THE HUMAN SCALE (2012, Al Jazeera Audience Award), LIFE IS SACRED (2015) and numerous shorts. Dalsgaard is also co-founder of the production company Elk Film, writes and directs fiction for both film and theater, and has given conferences and masterclasses world-wide.