Sema
An important meeting took place in Oldenburg, where renowned director Diraj Akolkar held a significant discussion at the Yezidi Forum of Oldenburg. Alongside Professor Sveik Tagai, Nalin Tuzon, Jasha Hannover, Ezzat Hasson, Ali Bidal Mirza, and Elias Yank, they deliberated on a historic documentary project: the film “The Other Side of Silence.”
This film sheds light on the fate of children born as a result of rape and sexual violence (CRSV) – a tragic subject that remains largely overlooked worldwide. The Yezidi community has particularly suffered from these crimes, with thousands of Yezidi women being kidnapped, enslaved, and systematically raped by ISIS militants during the genocide. Many were forced to bear children fathered by ISIS fighters, as a result of brutal human rights violations with lasting repercussions.
While Diraj Akolkar has filmed in Germany, Bosnia, and Uganda, and plans to shoot in Vietnam and Ukraine, he has a special interest in documenting the stories of Yezidi mothers. Due to current restrictions on filming in Sinjar, his team is targeting survivors in Europe who are willing to share their experiences.
A Film Against Forgetting – Why This Project is Crucial
- Visibility and Justice: The voices of survivors must be heard globally.
- Education and Awareness: The long-term consequences of war crimes must not be ignored.
- Contribution to Historical Truth: The Yezidi genocide and its aftermath must be documented to ensure international recognition and protection for the community.
The meeting in Oldenburg represents a significant milestone in this journey. The Yezidi Forum of Oldenburg will support this film project to provide a platform for survivors and contribute to the historical healing process.