Culture of Resistance: Voice of Palestine – Documentary Screening and Discussion at IUS
The IUS Balkan Studies Center (BSC) hosted the European premiere of the documentary “Culture of Resistance: Voice of Palestine.” The screening was followed by a discussion with the film’s producer, Ms. Tülay Gökçimen, titled “The Role of Cinema in Conveying Struggle.”
The documentary explores the growing international mobilization in support of Palestine, particularly across Europe. Through footage and accounts of demonstrations, public protests, and solidarity movements, it documents how people from diverse backgrounds have spoken out against what the film describes as the ongoing genocide in Palestine and mobilized in the name of humanity, justice, and human dignity. It highlights the role of ordinary citizens, civil society movements, and international solidarity networks in challenging silence and drawing attention to the suffering of the Palestinian people.
Following the screening, Ms. Gökçimen joined a moderated discussion on the documentary’s production, the challenges encountered during its development, and its impact. Particular attention was given to documentary cinema’s role in recording events, raising public awareness, amplifying marginalized voices, and sharing stories of resistance and resilience with international audiences.
An interactive Q&A session allowed participants from different academic and professional backgrounds to share their perspectives and reflections on the documentary. Their contributions broadened the conversation, highlighting the value of cinema and public dialogue in examining pressing humanitarian and political issues.
The event concluded with reflections on Palestine’s significance in contemporary international public discourse. The discussion emphasized how solidarity with Palestine extends beyond national and geographical boundaries, bringing together people from different backgrounds around shared concerns about justice, human rights, and human dignity.
Through the screening and discussion, BSC provided an opportunity for the university community to engage with documentary filmmaking and consider its contribution to public understanding of issues of international significance.
