Jinwar is a feature documentary about a Syrian mother’s complex relationship with her children, one of which she had to abandon in order to save the other one.
SYNOPSIS
In the shadows of Syria's decades-long war, Yasemin fights her own battle within the walls of her home. She struggles to survive and protect her children, forced by an unforgiving society into making heart-wrenching choices. Confronting a mother's deepest nightmare, she leaves her only son in desperation to save her daughter from becoming another victim of child marriage.
Weighed down by guilt and sorrow, her journey leads her to Jinwar—a sanctuary where women, rising from the ashes, have built a village for themselves and their children. In this village, mothers watch their children dream while uniting to transform their sacrifices and pain into hope, drawing strength to challenge the patriarchal bonds that have stolen their dreams, their childhood, and maybe their motherhood.
Director Statement
I am making this film for several reasons. First and foremost, I believe it can have a positive global impact, especially in light of the current crises around the world. In Iraq, the alarming proposal to lower the age of marriage for girls to nine is a stark reminder of the battles women face. Meanwhile, women in Iran and Afghanistan are fighting simply to exist, while women in the USA grapple with controlling their own bodies, and those in the UK live under constant threat due to their gender. I am convinced that despite our differing societal values, women everywhere share a profound connection. We can relate to each other’s pain, but also to our shared hope and the strength that comes from resistance.
Another vital reason for creating this film is to showcase the transformative power of the freedom women in Jinwar experience. By cultivating crops and contributing to their communities, these women demonstrate that when given autonomy, they can uplift entire societies. This narrative challenges the notion that patriarchy only harms women; it highlights its destructive impact on communities as a whole.
Lastly, my personal experience growing up in a patriarchal society motivates me to tell this story. While I was fortunate not to become a victim of child marriage, I witnessed many friends and cousins who did. Their stories resonate with me and fuel my desire to advocate for change.
ABOUT FILMMAKER(S)
Director Beyan Salah Taher
Beyan is a filmmaker from Iraq, now residing in London. With a diverse portfolio that includes feature-length films, shorts, commercials, and everything in between, she is passionate about telling personal stories that highlight broader societal narratives in need of attention.
Beyan produced the award-winning feature documentary Name Me Lawand, directed by Edward Lovelace, through which she was long-listed for BIFA award. She is currently working on her project Jinwar (Best Pitch award - Edinburgh pitch 2024) alongside a second feature with a disabled director who shares her vision. Recently, she produced 13 short films showcasing Paralympic athletes participating in Paris 2024, all of whom contribute back to their communities through their charitable efforts.
As an advocate for vulnerable communities worldwide, Beyan is committed to using her craft to elevate marginalized voices and bring important issues to the forefront through film.
Fleur Nieddu is a BIFA (British Independent Film Awards) longlisted producer working across feature documentaries, most recently Edward Lovelace’s award winning Name Me Lawand (‘Best Films of 2023’ - The Sunday Times, Guardian, The Evening Standard). Fleur is now producing A Life Illuminated by Edward Lovelace and Jinwar - Land of Women by emerging director, Beyan Taher, which recently won Best Pitch at Edinburgh Pitch 2024. Fleur also works as an Impact Producer, overseeing the release of Name Me Lawand (Screen Award Doc Campaign of the Year nominee), and previously worked as co-Impact Producer on Steven Eastwood’s Island (BIFA 2018 nominee) and Impact Assistant on Orlando von Einsiedel’s Virunga (Oscar/BAFTA 2014 nominee). She has also worked closely with the BFI Film Audience Network and Hakawati on independent theatrical releases, and as an EP on short form content including Charity Film Award winners Me & My Stammer (2023) and Friend in Deed (2024).
PROMOTE THIS PROJECT
Put a donation widget on your site. Click here for code.
ABOUT YOUR DONATION
Women Make Movies (WMM), Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit media arts organization registered with the New York Charities Bureau of New York State and accepts charitable donations on behalf of this project. Your donation will be spent by the filmmaker(s) toward the production and completion of this media project. No services or goods are provided by Women Make Movies, the filmmaker(s) or anyone else associated with this project in exchange for your charitable donation.
Your contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law, and a confirmation of your donation will be sent via email. WMM will send you an acknowledgement letter in the mail to the address listed for tax purposes.