Watch Victims of Isis - I.S. Slaves Share Their Stories
- 2015
- 48 min
-
(7)
Victims of Isis - I.S. Slaves Share Their Stories is a heart-wrenching documentary that portrays the unimaginable horrors of the Islamic State (ISIS) regime in Syria and Iraq. This 2015 film is directed by David McKenzie and stars Arwer, a Yazidi teenager who was able to escape from the clutches of ISIS. The documentary features various testimonies from former hostages of ISIS, mostly Yazidis and Christians, who were taken captive by the extremist group in northern Iraq.
The documentary starts with a brief historical background of ISIS and the group's brutal rise to power in the region. The filmmakers explain how the group started to target and kidnap Yazidis and Christians, whom they saw as infidels, and how these captives were taken to various locations, including Mosul and Tal Afar. The captives were then separated, with women and girls taken as sex slaves, while men and boys were either executed or forced to convert to Islam.
The bulk of the documentary consists of interviews with former hostages, who bravely share their stories of being enslaved by ISIS. The testimonies are given in Kurdish and Arabic, with English subtitles, which add to the authenticity of the film. The interviewees recall how they were captured, how they were treated by their ISIS captors, and their harrowing escape or rescue stories. The testimonies are emotional and gut-wrenching, with many interviewees breaking down in tears as they recall the abuse they suffered at the hands of their captors.
Arwer's story is especially poignant. He was just 14 when ISIS attacked his village, killing his father and brother and taking him, his mother, and three sisters captive. He was separated from his mother and sisters and taken to Mosul, where he was forced to convert to Islam, attend ISIS training camps and participate in their military campaigns. However, he was able to escape and reunite with his family. His story of survival and resilience is inspiring, and his perspective as a young boy gives a unique insight into the horrors that he faced.
The documentary also sheds light on the efforts of various organizations, such as the Yazidi Rescue Fund, who are trying to help rescue and rehabilitate the hostages that were able to escape ISIS. The film features interviews with doctors and therapists who are helping the hostages deal with the physical and emotional scars that they carry with them. The filmmakers also highlight the importance of bringing the perpetrators of these atrocities to justice, and the ongoing struggle to hold them accountable.
Overall, Victims of Isis - I.S. Slaves Share Their Stories is a powerful reminder of the atrocities that were committed by ISIS, and the resilience of the people who survived them. The film is a must-watch for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of the brutal reality of life under ISIS, and the ongoing efforts to help those affected by their reign of terror. The testimonies of the former hostages are powerful and unforgettable, and the documentary is a testament to their courage and strength.
Victims of Isis - I.S. Slaves Share Their Stories is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 48 minutes.