Watch Resistance Is Life

Resistance Is Life is a documentary film that chronicles the struggle for peace and freedom in Turkey. The documentary is centered on the courageous efforts of Leyla Imret, a young Kurdish woman who returns to her hometown of Cizre after receiving her education in Germany. Leyla’s return coincides with a period of significant unrest in Turkey, with the government clamping down on Kurdish civilians and fighting against the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK).

The film begins by introducing us to Leyla Imret, who is both the director and the main protagonist in the documentary. We follow her as she travels back to her hometown and immediately witnesses the devastating effects of the Turkish government’s war against the Kurds. Leyla quickly becomes involved in the resistance movement, and she sets about documenting the atrocities committed against Kurdish civilians.

What makes this documentary unique is the use of footage shot by Leyla herself. We see her up close and personal as she navigates through the rubble of bombed-out buildings, comforts grieving families, and continues to organize peaceful protests despite the constant threat of arrest or persecution. Through Leyla’s lens, we also see the strength and resilience of the Kurdish people, who endure such extreme repression under the Turkish state and still manage to resist.

Throughout the course of the documentary, we are introduced to several other activists, all of whom are fighting to achieve freedom and justice for the Kurdish people. These activists come from various backgrounds and social classes, but they are united in their desire for a peaceful and just society. We see them protesting on the streets, organizing sit-ins at government buildings, and engaging in small acts of resistance that often result in arrest and imprisonment.

Aside from the activists, we also meet ordinary Kurdish people who are caught in the middle of the conflict. We hear their stories of displacement and loss, of homes and loved ones destroyed by government forces. Yet, we also see how they retain their dignity and their will to survive. We witness the incredible acts of kindness and generosity that they extend to each other, especially to those who have been most affected by the violence.

As the documentary progresses, we see the scale of violence increase, with the Turkish government launching military offensives against Kurdish towns and cities. We see the army’s indiscriminate use of force, bombing residential neighborhoods and killing innocent civilians. However, through it all, Leyla and her fellow activists remain resolute, determined to stand up to the government and show the world the reality of life under Turkish oppression.

The film’s message is clear - that resistance to oppression is a fundamental human right. Leyla and her comrades may not have the power to stop the Turkish government in its tracks, but through their activism, they are able to illustrate the plight of the Kurdish people to a global audience. They remind us that, despite the odds, we all have the capacity for heroic action when we are fighting for something we believe in.

All in all, Resistance Is Life is a powerful and moving documentary that sheds light on the struggles of the Kurdish people in Turkey. Through the film, we come to understand the human cost of war and the profound courage of those who stand up for their rights in the face of violence and repression. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the complex political landscape of Turkey and the ongoing struggle for freedom and peace.

Resistance Is Life is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes.