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Kurdish-Norwegian filmmaker Halkawt Mustafa is poised to engage audiences with his latest film, No Paradise if You Are Killed by a Woman. Following the success of his documentary Hiding Saddam Hussein, which explored the life of the former Iraqi president after his ousting, Mustafa now turns his attention to the profound challenges confronted by women in the fight against ISIS.
Set a decade after the fall of Saddam Hussein, this narrative follows a Kurdish female sniper’s reluctant return to a battlefield she once fled. Her mission involves seeking vengeance and rescuing her younger sister, who is still captive in Mosul. The film features rising star Avan Jamal, recognized for his role in The Exam, alongside veteran Norwegian actor Thorbjørn Harr, known for his performances in The Tunnel and 22 July.
A poignant narrative inspired by real-life resilience
Mustafa’s film transcends fiction, drawing heavily from the true stories of women who valiantly resisted ISIS’s brutality. Among these heroic figures is Nadia Murad, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights advocate. Her traumatic experience of abduction during the Yazidi genocide in 2014 serves as a pivotal inspiration for this project.
In a recent statement, Mustafa described the film as a poetic portrait of a woman who chooses to confront overwhelming darkness. The narrative seeks to showcase the strength and resolve of female warriors who refuse to accept victimhood, opting instead to fight back against adversity.
Production insights and international collaboration
“No paradise if you are killed by a woman” is in the post-production phase, with Mustafa serving as the writer, director, and producer through his company, Hene Films AS, located in Norway. He is joined in the production by Janne Hjeltnes and John M. Jacobsen. As the film approaches completion, discussions are ongoing with international sales agents and distributors, highlighting the film’s potential for significant global outreach.
This project builds on the success of Hiding Saddam Hussein, which premiered at the Red Sea Film Festival. The documentary received positive reviews, especially for its in-depth portrayal of Alaa Namiq, the Iraqi farmer who sheltered Saddam Hussein for 235 days. This film has emerged as one of the highest-grossing documentaries in the Arab box office, showcasing Mustafa’s talent for revealing compelling narratives from contemporary history.
The impact of storytelling on social issues
Mustafa’s work highlights the challenges women face in wartime, contributing to a vital discussion about their roles in armed conflicts. The film seeks not only to entertain but also to educate audiences about the realities of female combatants, who frequently remain unsung heroes in the narratives of war.
Film highlights female empowerment through unique storytelling
As scrutiny over the representation of women in cinema increases, No paradise if you are killed by a woman emerges as a significant narrative that emphasizes authentic stories of female empowerment. The film follows the journey of a sniper, aiming to evoke strong emotions and spark thoughtful discussions surrounding gender, resilience, and the pursuit of justice.
With the film’s release on the horizon, Halkawt Mustafa’s commitment to showcasing the complexities of conflict from a female perspective is expected to resonate profoundly with audiences. This approach offers a refreshing viewpoint on a narrative often dominated by male-centric stories.