Sadly, 90 minutes is nowhere near enough time to cover all of the world’s conflicts. There’s so much to say, and how can you possibly sum up so much atrocity? This program doesn’t seek to do that. Here, we’re interested in human stories more than the conflicts themselves. Whether leaning more toward manifesto or testimony, cinema’s role is to convey harsh realities, bring voices to the fore and share experiences.

Because war is not only experienced at the front, it affects civilians first and foremost, as we see in What If They Bomb Here Tonight?, which uses gentle humour to look at a Lebanese couple’s sleepless nights, asking how they can limit the damage from a potential bomb strike on their apartment. The Syrian film Meryem stands in sharp contrast as it takes us into the lives of women who fight at the front: Kurdish fighters who have been taking up arms for generations in order to liberate their people.

The drawings of I died in Irpin are an excellent way to share the daily anguish of a woman on the run, fleeing the front line in Ukraine, deciding whether to stay or leave – both her besieged city and her relationship. After finding refuge in Quebec, Mahamed shares his trauma in Adieu Ugarit. Ten years ago, he saw his best friend killed by an armed militia on the outskirts of Damascus. An Orange from Jaffa shows the apartheid that has already been implemented by Israel in Palestine, laying the groundwork for the ongoing genocide.

As important as they are, these stories are just brief glimpses of a world in crisis. More than ever, it’s important to listen, understand and give their stories life beyond the places where they are happening. And above all, to make us realize that no matter where we are in the world, no one is safe.

Tickets may be available at the box office for this screening, depending on availability. Arrive early to secure your seat.