This is a documentary about the incredible bravery and heroism of The White Helmet organization, a volunteer group of around 3,000 civilians, who have saved over 58,000 Syrian lives since 2013. The group has operated during the Syrian civil war, saving civilians who have been trapped under the rubble after bomb explosions. The volunteers put their lives at risk daily to help other people, and this documentary is about celebrating the incredible work they do.
The White Helmets chronicles the destruction caused by frequent bombings and airstrikes in Aleppo, a Syrian city. One of the volunteers Mohammed previously worked for the regime but decided to quit after he discovered they often targeted civilians. In this documentary, we see the results of these attacks, with the destruction of homes and the loss of human life. Disturbingly, we also see cases where the regime have attacked hospitals and schools, therefore targeting the most vulnerable members of society. It seems nobody is safe in the city, as they could be the target of a bomb attack at any minute. We also see the effect that warfare has on people's livelihoods, as the volunteers previously worked in other professions. For example, Abu Omar used to work as a blacksmith.
Despite the destruction and loss, the volunteers retain a sense of optimism and hope for the future. Mohammed says that "tomorrow will be better. We are always optimistic that what's to come will be better. Justice will prevail one day," and Abu Omar says that "without hope, what good is life?" The rescue of the "miracle baby" was a crucial moment for the men, who learned "patience, persistence, hard work. And never to lose hope." Mohammed describes this event in the following heartwarming passage: "do you know the feeling when you plant a small seed and it grows into a beautiful bush? That's how we feel that this baby is still alive thanks to God and our work."
