The Boy Who Started the Syrian War (2017)

The Boy Who Started the Syrian War (2017) is a poignant documentary that unveils the profound impact of a seemingly innocuous act. In February 2011, Mouawiya Syasneh, a 14-year-old boy from Deraa, Syria, sprayed anti-government slogans on his school wall. Little did he know that this adolescent prank would ignite a devastating civil war, forever altering the course of Syria’s history.

Here are the key elements explored in this gripping documentary:

1. The Graffiti That Changed Everything:
   • Mouawiya’s graffiti, expressing dissent against President Bashar al-Assad, became a catalyst.
   • The film delves into the ripple effect of this seemingly minor act, which escalated into a full-blown conflict.
2. The Ravaged City of Deraa:
   • Deraa, Mouawiya’s hometown, bore witness to street fighting, shelling, and barrel bombing.
   • The war left indelible scars on the city and its inhabitants, with more than half a million lives lost.
3. From Prankster to Freedom Fighter:
   • Mouawiya’s life transformed dramatically. He now fights on the frontline for the Free Syrian Army.
   • His actions, once impulsive, carry immense weight. He has lost friends and family, including his father.
4. Normal Lives Amid Chaos:
   • The documentary introduces us to Syrians attempting to lead normal lives amidst the chaos.
   • It juxtaposes their struggles with those who took up arms against Assad’s forces.
5. The Unseen Toll:
   • The emotional toll of war permeates every frame. Families torn apart, dreams shattered, and futures uncertain.
   • Mouawiya’s graffiti set off a chain reaction that engulfed an entire nation.
6. A Glimpse into Syria’s Reality:
   • The Boy Who Started the Syrian War provides an unfiltered view of life in Deraa since the conflict began.
   • It forces us to confront the human cost, resilience, and resilience of those caught in the crossfire.

In a mere 35 minutes, this documentary encapsulates the tragedy, courage, and complexity of Syria’s war. Mouawiya’s graffiti, once an act of defiance, now symbolizes the immense burden borne by a generation. As we watch, we grapple with the haunting question: What if a wall could change the world?