Yazidi documentary to screen at NYC festival

ByEnigma 808

A documentary about Yazidi survivors who escaped ISIS captivity will screen on Oct. 30 at the American-Egyptian Arts and Film Festival in New York City. Kurdish filmmaker Shamal Hussein said his 21-minute film, Life After Freedom, is competing against entries from multiple nations at the annual cultural event.

The work follows Yazidi men and women who have rebuilt their lives and married after enduring atrocities committed by the extremist group. Hussein noted the documentary examines both the lasting trauma from ISIS violence and the community’s strength in recovery efforts.

ISIS killed thousands of Yazidis and enslaved women and girls in the 2014 attacks that the United Nations labeled genocide. More than 200,000 displaced Yazidis remain in camps across the Kurdistan Region, with many still searching for relatives or facing obstacles to returning home.

Filmmakers use international festivals to increase awareness about ISIS crimes and showcase Yazidi resilience. The American-Egyptian Arts and Film Festival launched in November 2021 at St. Francis College with 40 films from 11 countries.

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    Besides writing and being a content creator, Enigma 808 sometimes likes to watch paint dry on walls, listening to ASMR while timing snails racing. Such is life.