Watch The Deminer

The Deminer is a powerful and intense documentary that tells the story of Fakhir Berwari, a Kurdish soldier who served in the Iraq army during the Iran-Iraq war and later became a deminer in the Kurdish region of Iraq. Through interviews with Berwari and his colleagues, as well as footage from real-life demining efforts, this film provides a heart-wrenching look at the devastating impact of landmines on communities and the dedicated individuals who risk their lives to remove them.

The film begins by introducing Berwari, a soft-spoken yet determined man who has dedicated his life to saving others from the horrors of landmines. We learn about his background, his time in the Iraq army, and his decision to become a deminer after witnessing the devastating impact of landmines on his community. From there, the film follows Berwari as he goes about his work, diffusing bombs and surveying areas for hidden explosives. Through his interactions with the people he works with and the communities he serves, we see the incredible impact his work has on the lives of those around him.

What sets The Deminer apart from other documentaries about war and conflict is its unflinching realism. The film does not shy away from the brutal reality of landmines - we see footage of people maimed and killed by hidden explosives, hear firsthand accounts of the devastating impact that mines have on communities, and witness the intense emotional toll that this work takes on Berwari and his colleagues. However, the film's unrelenting imagery is tempered by Berwari's unwavering determination to save lives, as well as the camaraderie and humor that emerges among the deminers as they work together.

In addition to providing a human face to the horror of landmines, The Deminer also explores wider issues related to conflict and displacement. We hear from refugees who have been forced to flee their homes due to ongoing conflicts in the region, as well as from deminers who work in areas that were recently liberated from ISIS. There is a clear sense throughout the film that landmines are not just a physical barrier to rebuilding communities, but a psychological one as well.

Overall, The Deminer is a powerful and important documentary that sheds light on a largely invisible aspect of war and conflict. Through Berwari's story, the film shows the incredible bravery and selflessness of those who work to remove landmines, while also highlighting the devastating impact that these explosives have on communities. It is not an easy film to watch, but it is an essential one for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the realities of war and the resilience of those who live through it.