World premiere at the International Documentary Film Festival CPH:DOX

March 15, 2024: World premiere of IMMORTALS in Copenhagen! Of course, I was more than excited. All the more, when I found myself standing in front of a sold-out movie theater and answering the audience’s questions at one of the biggest documentary film festivals in the world.

We received enthusiastic feedback from the audience. The Western and Arab film press praised the film and the way it was made without exception. In the CPH:DOX critics’ ranking, it even placed second out of all the 12 films in the international competition! That was simply breathtaking and a huge affirmation for me and the crew! We risked a lot and won a lot! We are incredibly grateful for that!

I was accompanied by the Swiss core crew and it was very nice that our Iraqi producer was also able to be present. Unfortunately, the rest of the Iraqi crew and the Iraqi protagonists were unable to travel to Copenhagen due to visa restrictions. But we organized for Milo and Khalili to address the audience with personal greeting messages. And we are happy to share their messages with you here, too: 

  

Milo: 

 

Hello everyone. 

I’m very sad that I can’t be with you today. But my visa situation didn’t allow it.

The premiere of the movie is a big moment for me. Not only for me as the protagonist and co-author. But for all the people and friends who were with me in the Tishreen Revolution. The movie is for every soul we lost. It was a great historical moment for our generation.

When I said yes to the film, it felt a bit like a suicide mission. I didn’t know whether I would be able to leave the country. But after the brutal crackdown at Tishreen and being locked up at home for a year, I had absolutely nothing left to lose. So I decided to just keep going.

I have been silenced all my life. I wanted to have a voice. In the film, I scream. And I do that not only for me – but also for all the other women in Iraq. 

Eventually, the film project saved me. Today, I am in a safe place. And I’m happy to tell you that Avin has decided to leave, too.

I hope the film can change the way people see us, the young Iraqi generation. Because the world doesn’t give us a chance to do or change anything. Not inside of Iraq and not outside. We won’t give up.

I would like to thank everyone: Maja, Nadine, the whole crew and the audience. And thanks to the film festival for supporting us in getting more visibility.

Yours, Milo. 

  

Khalili:

 

Hello and welcome, I am Mohammed Al-Khalili

Unfortunately, I didn’t get the Visa to be able to join you.

But I wanted to express my thanks with this video message.

I am thankful for this experience, because it has been a turning point for me.

I extend special thanks to the Director, Maja, and the rest of the crew, and Mohammed Alghadhban. It has been a very important experience for me, it helped me heal.

Even though the revolution has been long ago, I still suffer from the injuries.

I still have hand atrophy.

5 years after the Tishreen revolution, the murderers and all those responsible have yet to be brought to justice. I wish that the previous government and the security forces that were involved will be brought to justice. And, peace upon all the martyrs.

At the same time, what we have lived and been through, is happening to the children and people of Gaza in Palestine. I wish them peace and thank every person who supports humanitarian causes. Thank you.