On Her Shoulders

On Her Shoulders is an earnest and riveting documentary produced in 2018 that tells the incredible story of Nadia Murad, a survivor of the 2014 genocide against the Yazidis in Northern Iraq.

From the opening scene of "On Her Shoulders", viewers are introduced to a young woman, Nadia Murad, who at the age of 23 has, unlike most women her age, seen the depths of human depravity and brutality. The gripping narrative that unfolds is a testament to her indomitable spirit and resilience, painting a poignant picture of her journey from victim to global human rights activist.

Nadia Murad's story is many things. Above all, it is a tale of survival. At the age of 19, Nadia was taken captive and held as a sex slave by ISIS when the extremist group attacked her peaceful farming community of Sinjar. Her escape from the stronghold of ISIS after enduring unimaginable horrors brought her to the forefront of global activist movements against human trafficking, sexual violence, and genocide.

However, "On Her Shoulders" is not just a recounting of her traumatic past. The film instead takes a deep dive into an intense year-long campaign where Nadia, with the help of nonprofit organization Yazda, attempts to bring the Yazidi plight to the attention of the global community. Her main aim is to lobby for resettlement and support for Yazidi refugees, as well as for genocide prosecution against ISIS in international judicial systems.

The film effectively captures Nadia's relentless drive and determination. Her story, narrated by herself, is interspersed with interviews, news excerpts, and footage of her various meetings with high-ranking officials, ambassadors, and activists, including lawyer Amal Clooney. Throughout her journey, the viewer sees the tiring and often demoralizing process of international lobbying, highlighting the limitations of institutions and the bureaucracy of aid provision.

In "On Her Shoulders," the filmmakers also bring to light the heavy burden Nadia shoulders. She endures the constant retelling of her painful experiences for the cause, laying bare the emotional toll it takes on her. The film does well to highlight this constant internal struggle. Despite the emotional cost, Nadia bravely faces the world, repeatedly narrating her excruciating experiences and the genocide of her people to enact change.

Nadia's companions on this journey are also featured prominently in the film. Murad Ismael, the executive director of nonprofit Yazda, is seen standing by Nadia throughout her advocacy, while Simone Monasebian, director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) New York Office, also supports her tirelessly. These individuals play crucial roles in guiding Nadia through the maze of international diplomacy and negotiations.

As a documentary, On Her Shoulders, provides a narrative so compelling that it is bound to grip audiences from start to finish. Nadia Murad's strength and determination to give voice to her people's suffering is both heartrending and inspiring. Despite the distressing subject matter, the narration's resolution and hope offer the viewers a glimpse of the transformative power of one brave woman’s voice.

The film is directed by Alexandria Bombach, whose perspective and respectful narration provides a sensitive portrayal of a survivor's resilience, despair, and determination in equal measure. The direction is subtle and intelligent, never exploiting Nadia's story for melodrama. The contrast between the mundanity of aftermath and the life-altering significance of events is depicted wonderfully in the film.

In summary, On Her Shoulders is a poignant observation of a brave young woman's battle against global indifference. This film salutes Nadia Murad's resilience, dedication, and determination, qualities that eventually earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018. Nadia's heartbreaking and inspiring story calls on each of us to look beyond our comfortable existence and challenges our fundamental notions of resilience and courage. Despite the inhumanity she and her people suffered, Nadia Murad stands as a beacon of hope, and indeed, 'On Her Shoulders', the struggle for justice continues.