In the war-torn Iraqi city of Mosul, a fragile link to its ancient past endures in the form of two carved lions adorning a marble gate. This gate, once part of a grand family home, is now fiercely guarded by Bashar, a fisherman who lost his residence during the battle to liberate the city from ISIL nearly a decade ago.

The struggle to preserve Mosul's rich history, spanning 8,000 years, is at the heart of "The Lions by the River Tigris," a documentary by Zaradasht Ahmed. The film highlights the efforts of three men working to revive the city's beauty amidst the ruins left by ISIL.

Fakhri, a dedicated collector, has become intent on acquiring the lions gate for his personal, unofficial museum. His passion stems from a deep desire to save Mosul's cultural heritage from further decay. Meanwhile, Fadil, a musician whose voice was silenced under ISIL rule, engages Fakhri in a dialogue about the human impact of collecting artefacts, urging him to consider the stories and lives connected to each piece.

As Mosul embarks on its rebuilding process, a quiet cultural resurgence is taking root, mirroring the resilience of its inhabitants. The documentary captures this spirit of renewal, showcasing how art and heritage can serve as powerful symbols of hope and continuity.

The liberation of Mosul from ISIL in 2017 followed a brutal nine-month campaign that devastated large parts of the city. The extremist group systematically destroyed numerous historical and cultural sites, viewing them as idolatrous.

Bashar's personal loss underscores the broader destruction. His family home, a testament to Mosul's past grandeur, was reduced to rubble, leaving only the gate with its iconic lions as a remnant of his former life. His commitment to protecting this last vestige reflects a deep connection to his heritage.

Fakhri's pursuit of the lions gate represents a broader effort by individuals to salvage and safeguard cultural treasures. These personal collections, though unofficial, play a crucial role in preserving fragments of a city's identity when official institutions are struggling to recover.

The documentary "The Lions by the River Tigris" not only documents the physical restoration efforts but also explores the emotional and psychological toll of conflict on a city and its people. It highlights how, even in the face of immense destruction, the human spirit's drive to create, preserve, and remember can lead to a powerful cultural revival.