★★★★☆
Matthew Heineman’s pulverising documentary salutes the mind-boggling bravery of Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, a group of citizen journalists reporting from the Isis-occupied Syrian city. Their determination to contradict Islamic State propaganda makes them targets: core members see relatives murdered and are forced to flee to Turkey and Germany. In one chilling scene one man sees a picture of his flat on social media. “I liked the entrance to your home,” writes the Isis terrorist. “I look forward to seeing you next time.”
This is a harrowing watch, with footage of executions — the emotional toll on the men is tangible. Yet RBSS is performing an essential duty; it is often the only conduit of reliable news from Raqqa to the wider world. In the end it’s simple, one member says, “either we will win or they will kill all of us”.
18, 92min
Also available to stream at cityofghosts.co.uk/watch-at-home