Sabaya

Sabaya is a 2021 Swedish documentary film addressing an incredibly grim and gut-wrenching subject. The word 'Sabaya' refers to women and girls abducted and enslaved by the Islamic State group (IS). Directed by Hogir Hirori, the film offers an intense and realistic depiction of the rescue missions initiated by the non-profit volunteer group Yazidi Home Center to extract these girls and women from the horrifically grim Al-Hol, a dangerous and infamous camp in northeastern Syria.

Sabaya is undoubtedly an emotionally intense and disturbing depiction of reality, marking a saga of human resilience fighting against the direst conditions. Drawing its roots from actual events and individuals, the film takes the viewers on a deeply moving journey into one of the most dangerous corners of the world. It isn’t a casual watch but is instead a gritty and raw dive into a chilling world that many might find difficult to stomach.

The documentary's primary focus is on the rescue missions spearheaded by Mahmud, Ziyad and a group of brave, selfless volunteers from the Yazidi Home Center, an organization dedicated to rescuing Yazidi women and underage girls who were held captive and used as sabayas (sex slaves) by ISIS. Mahmud is shown leading operations within the confines of the camp, while also protecting a safe house outside where women and girls are taken after rescue, until they can be reunited with their families in Iraqi Kurdistan. Mahmud acts as both a father figure and a compassionate support for these traumatized girls, all while leading dangerous missions with a phone in one hand and an AK-47 in the other.

Alongside Mahmud, we meet his wife, Siham, who plays a pivotal role in this demanding and treacherous operation. Siham, along with a handful of brave infiltrators, undertake enormous risks infiltrating and rescuing sabayas from the camp. Transcending beyond the role of a wife, Siham becomes a beacon of hope and an epitome of resilience, helping many women reclaim their freedom.

Sabaya presents an uncensored representation of prevalent and persistent humanitarian crises, unfolding a grim reality that has gnawed at the Yazidi Community since 2014. Hogir Hirori manages to maintain an authentic documentarian perspective, which further enhances the gravity of the subject matter, thus encouraging viewers to empathize greatly with the depicted individuals.

From a technical perspective, the documentary incorporates elements of suspense in a manner that is gripping and chilling. Cinematographer, Gabrielle Calero, succeeds in capturing the volatile and tense atmosphere of the rescue missions. The sounds design further assists this, with an effective use of ambient noise and silence magnifying the intensity of the scenes. The absence of background music makes the film's palpable anxiety and sense of danger even more nerve-wracking.

The documentary also truthfully depicts the harrowing psychological trauma experienced by the sabayas. Moments of tranquility, filled with therapeutic group singing and shared meals, stand in stark contrast to the scenes of horror, revealing the magnitude of healing required for these rescued women and girls.

The incredible bravery exhibited by these rescuers, alongside the strength shown by rescued sabayas, leaves the viewer in awe. Undoubtedly, Sabaya is a heartbreaking and difficult watch, yet it stands as a testament to human resilience, compassion, and the tireless belief in making a positive difference in the world.

In conclusion, Sabaya paints a vivid picture of an ongoing battle against the remnants of ISIS's dreadful legacy. It demonstrates an astonishing show of bravery amidst ongoing terror and provides a crucial spotlight on a horrendous episode of human history. This 92-minute documentary is a compelling narrative about hope, rescue, and the human spirit's resilience to survive, heal, and rebuild.