By Lejla Biogradlija and Elvır Hodzıc
SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina (AA) - The 7th International Al Jazeera Balkans Documentary Film Festival (AJB DOC) in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, featured the international premiere of the TRT World Research Team’s documentary "Holy Redemption."
Directed and produced by Jose Carlos Soares, Tanju Sahin and Aslihan Eker Cakmak, it was filmed under challenging conditions.
It captures the TRT World Research Team’s infiltration of radical Israeli groups in the West Bank two months after the Gaza genocide that began on Oct. 7 last year.
TRT Deputy Director General Omer Faruk Tanriverdi also attended the ceremony.
Soares said the documentary depicts only the realities observed in the West Bank, without incorporating personal viewpoints.
The film focuses on the authentic perspectives of those featured.
Producer Eker Cakmak emphasized that the documentary provides a unique perspective by featuring the voices of the illegal Israeli settlers rather than the Palestinians whose land was occupied. This approach is a departure from traditional narratives and presents the settlers' viewpoints directly.
She also noted the inclusion of Israeli activists, highlighting the extensive preparation and network-building necessary to produce the film. The TRT World team successfully gained the trust of key contacts to complete the project.
- Zionist occupation from perspective of witnesses, perpetrators
The documentary reveals the systematic occupation of Palestinian lands, including footage from outposts where the radical "Hilltop Youth" group is trained.
It portrays the violent tactics used by Israeli settlers and includes interviews with various stakeholders such as Israeli activists, former soldiers and political figures.
"Holy Redemption" is competing in the festival’s competition section.
- Focus on Palestine at the festival
The AJB DOC festival, running until Sept. 17, is concentrating on the hardships faced by Palestinians due to Israeli aggression. It features documentaries on this theme along with 24 other films addressing global economic and political issues.
The festival’s jury comprises Deborah London-Harrington, Namik Kabil, Mila Turajlic, Francesco Montagner and Myriam Francois.
Awards to be given include the "AJB Main Award," the "AJB Program Award" and the "Audience Award," and Industry Days panels will also be part of the festival.
*Writing by Alperen Aktas from Istanbul