Syrian Oscar nominee can't get to ceremony because of passport problem

• Syrian cinematographer barred from U.S. ahead of Oscars; stars gather at unity rally​

The White Helmets operate a rescue service in rebel-held parts of Syria, which have been subjected to fierce bombardment by the government and Russia's air force during the country's civil war that has levelled whole city districts.

Their film, nominated in the Oscars short subject documentary category, gives a glimpse into the daily lives of the volunteers.

After 3days at airport, not allowed to travel to #oscars2017 - had US visa - but passport not accepted. Sad, but important work to do here.

— Khaled Khatib (@995Khaled) February 25, 2017

Syria's government under President Bashar al-Assad has accused the group of being a front for al Qaeda and of faking footage of the aftermath of air strikes for propaganda purposes, charges the White Helmets deny.

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Two of the rescue workers, their leader Raed Saleh and Khaled Khatib, who is also a cameraman, were given visas by the United States to visit the country for the Oscars' ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday night.

However, in a statement early on Sunday, the White Helmets said that Saleh would not be able to leave his work because of the high intensity of airstrikes.

Meanwhile, Khatib (listed as a cinematographer on the film) could not attend because Syria's government had cancelled his passport.

"The Syrian Civil Defence are grateful for the platform the film The White Helmets is providing for their humanitarian message to reach around the world," the statement said. 

© Thomson Reuters, 2017