City of Ghosts is a 2017 documentary film directed by Matthew Heineman. The film tells the story of a group of citizen journalists from Raqqa, Syria who call themselves "Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently" (RBSS for short) as they document their city's descent into chaos during the height of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) takeover.
The film charts the perilous journey of these activist journalists as they risk their own lives to report on the atrocities committed daily by ISIS, who imposed their strict interpretation of Islamic law on the city. RBSS was formed in 2014 by a group of Syrians who were appalled at the way in which the media was portraying their city, and set up a network of secret reporters to document the brutal regime of ISIS.
The film provides an inside look into the lives of the members of RBSS, who face constant danger from both ISIS and the Syrian government, which considers them terrorists. The members of RBSS are forced to remain anonymous, often working in secret locations with limited resources and the constant threat of death.
City of Ghosts is a powerful documentary that sheds light on the bravery and determination of a group of people who risk everything for the truth. The film shows the importance of citizen journalism and the vital role that it plays in the fight against oppression, terrorism, and injustice.