THE ART OF WAR: URBAN ART IN WAR ZONES

The Art of War documentary sheds light on artists fighting with their messages of peace in war zones.
No, it’s not Sun-Tsu’s book about war, strategies and other things military. This Art of War is the antithesis of that book. It is a tangible demonstration of why art is necessary.
The Art of War is a 15-minute video documentary in which a series of activist artists in war zones share how their actions have a positive impact on society. As the artist Abu Malek Al Shami says, “Art can’t change a map, or the result of a battle, but it can have an impact.”

Phil Griffiths – director of the documentary and founder of the production company Toy Green Films – has been passionate about street art since he highlighted it with his short film about art on the streets of Shoreditch, London. The short film provided him with an understanding of the strength of the artistic messages on the street.
With art and its pulse on the street as a premise, the seed of a new documentary grew. Meanwhile -and unfortunately- war and social conflicts in the world were also on the rise. The production company decided to establish contact with street artists in those war zones and was able to talk to incredible people. Each of them risked their lives and their freedom to defend their beliefs through their works of art.

“With Palestinian, Jewish, Syrian and Lebanese members of the Toy Green family -all with loved ones affected by the current massacre- the messages of peace and unity disseminated by the artists who appear in The Art of War seem more relevant than ever.” -Phil Griffiths

Interviewing them was not easy due to surrounding conflicts. Some interviews were conducted on site and others by video call. In total, the project took a few months to film and edit. In addition to demonstrating the power of art, the film helps to describe how similar we all are, no matter where we are from, regardless of our religion or culture.
Toy Green Films is a producer of documentaries and true stories based in the UAE and the United Kingdom. The company is the sister of the Emirates production company Films by Nomad (FbN), which was created in 2023 by Phil Griffiths, also founder of FbN. Toy Green Films produces feature films and short documentary films, as well as fact-based programs on a global scale.
Films by Nomad, based in the UAE since 2010, produces film and documentary campaigns focused on storytelling for both local and international broadcasters and brands.

“Taking part in this documentary was a valuable experience for me because it sheds light on the impact of art in regions in conflict and war. Especially street art and the art of protest, since it is essential to change people’s perspectives and open dialogues between them, while motivating and inspiring new ideas.” -Roula Abdo

The artists:

• Taqi Spateen

A critically acclaimed Palestinian artist, known for his political murals that adorn the wall of the West Bank in Bethlehem. Spateen has shown all over the world, from artistic landscapes to large-scale murals about local and international causes.

• • Valerii Kolor
    

A Ukrainian artist known for his large-scale murals, which often depict colorful and surreal images. He is recognized as one of the most talented and innovative Ukrainian street artists. Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Valerii has used his art to unite people and promote positive change.

• Abu Malek Al Shami

A Syrian artist who has earned international recognition for his murals and graffiti that call for reflection. His art is deeply influenced by conflict and its impact on the Syrian people, and often presents images of Syrian refugees, women and children affected by the war, along with symbols of hope and resilience.

• Ali Khalifa

An Iraqi artist born in Baghdad, he creates works of art that reflect his experiences growing up in a country ravaged by war and conflict. He is part of a group known as The Butterfly Effect that strives to regenerate areas that have been degraded and affected by war by painting beautiful works of art and murals.

• Roula Abdo

A Beirut-born artist known for her vibrant and suggestive murals and installations which often explore topics related to identity, community and resistance. Her mural, We Shall Pass, became an emblematic statement of the Lebanese revolution, painted on the concrete barriers erected around the Parliament buildings in Beirut, symbolizing that no matter how high the walls, the people will prevail.

• Todd Goodman

His work can be seen on the streets of Los Angeles (USA), characterized by bright colors, intricate drawings, and thought-provoking themes. Inspired by world events, Goodman’s work is often reactionary and portrays the feelings of people on the street. In The Art of War, Goodman talks about the art he produced after the George Floyd riots and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

We want to thank Zoë Griffiths for her kindness and help.