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City of Ghosts

Name: City of Ghosts
Director: Matthew Heineman
Released: 2017
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

8.3/10

Excellent

2017

Director

Matthew Heineman

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

City of Ghosts succeeds by shifting the documentary focus from Western observers to local subjects. By highlighting Syrian citizen journalists, the film empowers underrepresented voices and challenges the dominance of traditional war media. The narrative stands out in its portrayal of ability to act and non-Western perspectives, reclaiming the story for those living through the occupation. It moves beyond simple victimhood to depict complex human responses to systemic collapse. However, the film does not delve deeply into specific identity-based politics, such as LGBTQ+ narratives or dedicated disability arcs. While it captures the broad human experience, it does not explore specific subversions of gender or identity-related struggles.

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Category Breakdown

Does City of Ghosts have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film centers on the survival and journalistic efforts of activists under ISIS occupation. It does not primarily focus on LGBTQ+ or non-cisgender identities. There are no derogatory depictions.

How does City of Ghosts portray gender?

Fair

Women are shown as active participants in social and humanitarian efforts rather than passive victims. The film does not specifically challenge traditional gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is City of Ghosts?

Excellent

The documentary highlights the ability to act of non-Western individuals by focusing on Syrian citizen journalists. It shifts the perspective away from Western-centric views to prioritize the voices of those directly affected by violence.

How does City of Ghosts represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques Western geopolitical structures and the breakdown of traditional institutions. It portrays the difficult ethical choices faced by individuals due to systemic collapse.

Does City of Ghosts include disability representation?

Fair

Physical and psychological trauma are presented with dignity as part of the harsh realities of war. While no main character is defined by disability, the film avoids overly inspirational depictions.

Present on Screen

Highlights the ability to act of non-Western individuals and local perspectives.
Shifts the focus away from Western-centric war documentaries to highlight Syrian voices.
Offers a nuanced, non-binary view of morality and ability to act.
Shows women as active participants in a society facing collapse.

Limited or Absent

Does not explicitly focus on LGBTQ+ or non-cisgender identities.
Does not extensively explore specific gender-based power dynamics.
Does not feature character arcs centered on specific disabilities.

Official Synopsis

With unprecedented access, this documentary follows the extraordinary journey of “Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently”—a group of anonymous citizen journalists who banded together after their homeland was overtaken by ISIS—as they risk their lives to stand up against one of the greatest evils in the world today.

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