The inaugural London edition of Documentary Spotlight hosted by The Ankler and Pure Nonfiction, took place last month to showcase a compelling lineup of films, including Hasan Oswald’s MEDIHA. The event invited the audience to come together to celebrate the power of documentary storytelling, with the filmmakers engaging in thought-provoking conversations with Thom Powers (Co-founder of Doc NYC & host of Pure NonFiction podcast).
A powerful testament to the human spirit, Mediha turns her camera on herself to process her trauma while rescuers search for her missing family members, revealing the strength and determination of a young survivor. Mediha Alhamad is credited as co-cinematographer alongside Oswald.
During his conversation with Thom, Oswald shared his reflections on the delicate balance between filmmaker and participant in shaping narratives.
“I had been interested for a while with the power dynamic and balance between filmmaker and participant,” said Oswald, explaining how Mediha herself took a leading role in telling her story using a video camera. The director’s collaborative approach allowed Mediha to bring her perspective to the forefront.
“This is clearly a young woman who could potentially carry a collaboration,” Oswald remarked. He first met Mediha in 2019 during a trip to Iraqi Kurdistan, recognizing her resilience and storytelling potential. “I knew I needed someone really incredible.”
The film doesn’t just tell Mediha’s story; it seeks to amplify the ongoing plight of the Yazidi community, ten years after ISIS’ genocide against the indigenous group. Oswald emphasised the film’s goal to “refocus the international spotlight” on the Yazidis, noting that approximately 2,700 Yazidi individuals remain missing or in captivity. You can listen to the full conversation here.
A number of remarkable films were featured alongside MEDIHA including: ENO directed by Gary Hustwit, INVISIBLE NATION directed by Vanessa Hope, THE COMMANDANT’S SHADOW directed by Daniela Völker, THE REMARKABLE LIFE OF IBELIN directed by Benjamin Ree and SKYWALKERS: A LOVE STORY directed by Jeff Zimbalist.
Together Films is representing MEDIHA for international sales.
