Film Screenings Spotlight Women's Experiences During 16 Days of Activism Campaign

The annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, held from November 25 to December 10, serves as a vital platform to highlight efforts to combat violence against women. This year, events across Azerbaijan have aimed to foster awareness and encourage action through diverse programming, including film screenings organized by Gender Hub Azerbaijan.

Two compelling documentaries—"They Whisper, Sometimes They Scream" by Lalə Əliyeva and "My Grandfather's House" by Leylaxanım Qənbərli—were showcased during the campaign. Following the screenings, an engaging discussion with filmmaker Leylaxanım Qənbərli offered audiences an intimate glimpse into the emotional layers of her work.

Whispering Voices of Rural Women

Lalə Əliyeva's "They Whisper, Sometimes They Scream" is a poignant short documentary that delves into the lives of women living around Pir Vir Lake. Through vivid storytelling, the film captures their struggles, unfulfilled dreams, and day-to-day realities.

“When I first visited the village near Pir Vir Lake, I hadn’t planned on making a film about domestic violence in Azerbaijan,” shared Əliyeva. “The filming process was intuitive, inspired by the natural surroundings. Over time, I began to hear the women’s stories—gradually, they opened their hearts to me. The lake became a powerful metaphor, symbolizing a convergence of past and future within nature’s continuity. This inspired me to document the intricate interplay between human and non-human lives.”

The film’s subtle yet powerful visuals and intimate interviews spotlight the resilience and quiet strength of these women, turning their whispers into resounding echoes of hope and defiance.

Personal Reflections on Family and Memory

Leylaxanım Qənbərli’s "My Grandfather’s House", which won the Best Documentary Film award at the XV Baku International Film Festival, offers a deeply personal narrative centered on family, roots, and memory. The film takes viewers on an emotional journey as Qənbərli revisits her grandfather’s house, intertwining stories from her grandmother about her late grandfather with her own recollections.

“Through this journey, I sought to see my grandfather not only through my eyes but also through my grandmother’s lens,” said Qənbərli during the discussion. “For me, my grandfather was a heroic, almost perfect figure, but my grandmother’s perspective added depth, revealing his humanity and imperfections.”

The film balances nostalgia with raw honesty, painting a multi-dimensional portrait of family dynamics. It also highlights the grandmother’s reflections as a woman, navigating life’s complexities and societal expectations.

A Conversation Beyond the Screen

After the screenings, an intimate dialogue unfolded between Qənbərli and the audience. The discussion delved into the emotional resonance of the films, particularly the grandmother’s perspective as a woman in a male-dominated household.

Audience members commended the filmmakers for their ability to intertwine personal stories with broader social themes. Many expressed admiration for the way both films provided a lens into women's lived experiences in Azerbaijan, sparking meaningful conversations about resilience, memory, and gender-based challenges.

Amplifying Women’s Voices

These film screenings exemplify how art can illuminate pressing social issues while fostering empathy and understanding. As part of the 16 Days of Activism, they have underscored the power of storytelling to challenge societal norms and give voice to those often unheard.

As audiences left the event, many reflected on the transformative potential of such narratives in fostering societal change. Through films like these, the whisper of women’s experiences can become a powerful call to action.