Last week the Turkish state started an invasion and occupation war on our lands, in Northern Syria. The Turkish army has been attacking all major towns and settlements along the border with airstrikes and mortar shelling, including Qamishli, Kobane and Serekaniye, the cities where we live. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have been displaced, including our families and friends. The SDF and YPJ-YPG forces that liberated our lands from ISIS, are dedicating their lives to protect us from new occupation and massacres.
Due to the emergency situation that we are living, it has been impossible for us to review all the films you sent, please accept our apologise. We will do all what is in our hands to celebrate the festival. We believe that now, more than ever, it is necessary that Rojava International Film Festival is celebrated to prove that culture and dialog are a path to freedom. They might occupy our lands, but they will never conquer our thoughts and spirits.
If you wish to support Rojava, have a look at this campaign:
https://boycott-turkey.net/call-to-boycott-turkish-government-sponsored-academic-and-cultural-institutions-2/
Warmest wishes,
Rojava International Film Festival
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