BEIRUT — A rescue worker portrayed in a Syrian film nominated for an Academy Award is waiting in his war-torn country for a visa to the U.S. to attend what could possibly be the most joyous event of his young life.

Mahmoud, 29, who wants to only use his first name to protect his family, is one of the White Helmets rescue workers portrayed in the documentary “Last Men in Aleppo.” He survived a devastating offensive in eastern Aleppo that the government recaptured in 2016.

Since then, Syria became one of the countries under a U.S travel ban, making Mahmoud’s trip to the U.S. to attend the ceremony a major hurdle. He has no passport and the Syrian government considers the White Helmets to be a terrorist organization because it operates in rebel areas.

The film’s director and writer, Firas Fayyad and its producer, Kareem Abeed, made it to the U.S. after a lengthy process.

Mahmoud lives in an area under opposition control. With the conflict’s years reflected in his eyes, Mahmoud said he wants to go the U.S. to speak about his experience.

“It is different when you have a message and you deliver it yourself,” he told The Associated Press in opposition-held rural Aleppo.

Fayyad said he has been attempting to get Mahmoud a passport but has been met with government rejection. The Syrian government refuses issuing documents for residents living in opposition areas.

“Mahmoud will not be able to attend and he will not get a visa,” Fayyad said in an exchange on Facebook. “It is unfortunate and very sad.”