Director, Hasan Oswald talks about his powerful documentary ‘Mediha‘ a Yazidi girl who survived ISIS with the help of her Camera, opening in LA on October 18, 2024.
In our recent interview, we spoke with director Hasan Oswald about his powerful documentary, ‘Mediha‘,which is already captivating audiences in theaters across New York, NY. This heartbreaking film is set to open in Los Angeles, CA, on Friday, October 18, 2024, followed by releases in additional cities on Friday, October 25, 2024.
‘Mediha‘ tells the heart-wrenching story of Mediha Ibrahim Alhamad, a teenage Yazidi girl who faces the daunting challenge of finding her missing family members after enduring captivity at the hands of ISIS aka and forever shall be called “DAESH“. With the support of her two younger brothers, Ghazwan and Adnan, Mediha embarks on a courageous journey to reclaim her voice and her future, showcasing her resilience in the face of unimaginable trauma.
Executive produced by acclaimed actress Emma Thompson, the film captures the complexities of the ongoing struggles faced by Yazidi survivors. Eight years after the genocide, the siblings continue to confront the obstacles that hinder rescue efforts, relying on a network of dedicated individuals working to reunite families torn apart by conflict.
Oswald masterfully chronicles Mediha’s journey over three years, spanning Iraq, Turkey, and Syria. Through her personal video diaries, Mediha confronts her past, documenting her investigations into her captors while navigating the emotional turmoil of her situation. Her story becomes a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who have suffered and the enduring hope for justice and healing.
With previous works that shed light on pressing social issues—from the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, to the plight of conflict refugees for National Geographic—Oswald’s ‘Mediha‘ stands out as a significant contribution to documentary filmmaking. The film has already received critical acclaim, winning the Grand Jury Award and being named Audience Award runner-up at Doc NYC 2023. Additionally, Oswald was recognized as one of Doc NYC’s 40 under 40 documentary rising stars, co-presented by HBO Documentary Films. Join us as we explore the making of ‘Mediha‘ and the important message it conveys.
‘Mediha‘ opens in Los Angeles, CA, on Friday, October 18, 2024, followed by releases in additional cities on Friday, October 25, 2024.
Visit https://www.medihafilm.com/ to find out about more screenings in your area.