“Why Do I See You in Everything?” is a powerful documentary that dives into the lives of two Syrian friends, Nabil Altawil and Qusay Awad. Directed by Rand Abou Fakher, this film is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, tenderness, and the harsh realities of exile. It contrasts their intimate moments in Berlin with memories of their struggles during the Syrian uprising.
The film opens with a striking metaphor: an uprooted olive tree, symbolizing loss and displacement. In Berlin, Nabil and Qusay lie together, sharing a deep yet unpretentious conversation. Their closeness challenges the norms of masculinity, revealing how oppressive systems often push men to hide their feelings. Nabil’s words carry the weight of someone who has lived through immense sacrifice, emphasizing that change comes at a price.
Life in Germany isn’t a safe haven for them. They carry memories of protests against Assad, and in today’s climate, they witness familiar patterns of repression. As protests for Palestinian liberation erupt, they realize that even in a democracy, the echoes of dictatorship remain. Nabil’s comment about the overwhelming police presence in Germany highlights this unsettling truth.
The film masterfully intertwines sounds from Berlin protests with visuals from Syria, creating a haunting parallel. Crowds chanting, sirens blaring, all resonate with painful familiarity. This sonic backdrop transforms Germany into a space of control, where freedom feels constrained, and echoes of past trauma linger.
At just 70 minutes, the film is dense, packed with emotion but sometimes challenging to follow. The narrative shifts may leave viewers disoriented, reflecting the chaos of real-life experiences where transitions are rarely clean. This approach emphasizes that their stories exist without neat conclusions, mirroring the complex nature of trauma and longing.
Grief becomes a central theme, where everything blurs together as Nabil grapples with his past after a protest incident. The documentary shifts focus back to Syria, where the hope of returning is shattered by fresh violence against their community. Here, memory demands action; it becomes an obligation, as both friends confront their shared history and its implications.
Yet, amidst it all, the bond between Nabil and Qusay remains a source of strength. In the film’s closing scenes, they return to olive trees, reclaiming a piece of their heritage. Choosing to rest in their own land symbolizes freedom, a basic human right often taken for granted. Rather than an escape, these moments of peace resonate as acts of resistance.
It’s worth noting that documentaries about war and resistance often face different receptions. Some stories resonate immediately, receiving widespread empathy, while others must struggle for recognition and understanding. This film challenges audiences to reflect on its deeper humanity, even in the face of skepticism.
In light of the ongoing global struggles for freedom and justice, “Why Do I See You in Everything?” serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of solidarity across borders.
