• Director(s):

    DARDAD (Marianne), VILLANOVE (Charles), MARZIN (Olivier)

  • Producer(s):

    ARTE GEIE

  • Territories:

    Worldwide.

  • Production year:

    2018

  • Language(s):

    German, English, Spanish, French, Polish

  • Rights:

    TV, NON-THEATRICAL, INTERNET

In May 2017, Marawi – a city of 200.000 inhabitants in the Southern Philippines – was the first conurbation of South-East Asia to fall into the Islamic State's allies’ hands.

Surprised by the thus far unthinkable attack in a predominantly catholic country, the Philippine army took five months to retake Marawi. It was its deadliest urban battle since the end of the Second World War.
Months after its liberation, the city is devastated and still under military control. At the crisis’ peak, 600.000 civilians were displaced.
In the Muslim Southern Philippines, the siege of Marawi has upset the balance of power. Muslim ex-rebels who had waged war against the Philippine army now fight alongside them against the terrorist group. In the countries, villagers organize their own defense with whatever means at hand.