Watch Sabaya

Sabaya is a powerful and haunting documentary that provides a rare glimpse into the lives of Yazidi women who were kidnapped and enslaved by ISIS during the 2014 genocide in Iraq. The film, directed by Hogir Hirori, follows a group of activists from the non-profit organization Yazda as they work to rescue these women and bring them back to their families.

The title Sabaya refers to the term used by ISIS to describe the Yazidi women and girls who were taken captive by the group. The documentary opens with footage from a recent rescue mission, as the activists travel to a small village in Syria to extract a group of Sabaya who are being held by an ISIS member. The tension is palpable as the activists coordinate with their contacts in the village and prepare to make the dangerous move to rescue the women.

As the story unfolds, we are introduced to some of the rescued Sabaya, who share their stories of horror and survival. Many of the women were forced to marry ISIS fighters and endured sexual and physical abuse, while others were sold into slavery or forced to work as domestic servants. The documentary does not shy away from the brutal reality of what these women experienced, and the interviews with the survivors are heartbreaking and unflinching.

One of the most striking aspects of Sabaya is the role of the activists who work with Yazda. The organization is led by Murad Ismael, a charismatic and dedicated advocate who has made it his mission to rescue as many Yazidi women and girls as possible. The film captures the tireless efforts of Ismael and his team, who use their contacts and knowledge of the region to track down the Sabaya and negotiate their release.

The documentary also highlights the challenges faced by the activists, who must navigate a complex landscape of shifting alliances and competing interests. At times, the group confronts resistance from local authorities who are suspicious of their motives, and they are forced to rely on their wits and resourcefulness to achieve their goals.

Despite the difficult subject matter, Sabaya is not a story of hopelessness or despair. Instead, it is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Yazidi women and the activists who fight for their freedom. The film is filled with moments of courage and humanity, such as the scene where the Sabaya are reunited with their families and the tears of joy and relief that follow.

Throughout the documentary, Hirori uses a restrained and minimalistic style that allows the story to speak for itself. The camera is mostly static, and there is little music or narration to distract from the raw emotions and stark realities of the situation. Instead, the filmmaker relies on the strength of the interviews and the footage to convey the power of the story.

In conclusion, Sabaya is a powerful and moving documentary that sheds light on an important and often overlooked aspect of the 2014 genocide in Iraq. It is a story of horror and resilience, of courage and dedication, and of the importance of fighting for justice in the face of unimaginable adversity. Hirori has created a work of great importance and urgency, one that deserves to be seen by as wide an audience as possible.

Sabaya is a 2021 documentary. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 86.