Her War: Women Vs. ISIS (2015)

In the tumultuous landscape of war-torn Syria, where the Islamic State (ISIS) wreaked havoc, a group of remarkable women emerged as fierce defenders of their homeland. The documentary Her War: Women Vs. ISIS delves into the lives of these unsung heroines—the Kurdish Women’s Protection Units (YPJ)—who stood resolute against terror and oppression.

The YPJ: A Revolution Within a Revolution:

• The YPJ, an all-female unit, defied societal norms and stereotypes. Comprised of Kurdish and Arab women, they rallied together to confront the ISIS menace.
• Unheard of until 2012, the YPJ was born out of necessity. As ISIS extended its influence, atrocities against local communities escalated. These brave women stepped forward not only to protect their families but also to forge a new path—a feminist, socialist, and democratic society within the chaos of war.

The Battlefront:

• The documentary takes us to the frontlines in Syria, where the YPJ faced the relentless onslaught of ISIS.
• Armed with determination and conviction, these women warriors engaged in a life-and-death struggle to reclaim their neighborhoods and safeguard their people.

Sacrifice and Resilience:

• The cost of their bravery was steep. Lives were lost, families torn apart, and dreams deferred.
• Yet, the YPJ persisted. Their resilience echoed through the smoke-filled streets, where bullets whizzed past and hope flickered like a fragile flame.

A Feminist Legacy:

• Her War immortalizes the spirit of these women. It captures their unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and freedom.
• Their fight was not just against ISIS; it was a fight for a world where women’s voices mattered, where liberation transcended the battlefield.

Anastasia Trofimova’s Lens:

• Director Anastasia Trofimova skillfully weaves together raw footage, interviews, and personal narratives. She brings us face-to-face with the grit and grace of these warriors.
• Through her lens, we witness the camaraderie, the tears shed for fallen comrades, and the fierce determination etched on each face.

Legacy and Reflections:

• Her War: Women Vs. ISIS serves as a powerful reminder that courage knows no gender. It is a testament to the indomitable human spirit.
• As we watch these women defy the odds, we are compelled to question our own convictions and the battles we choose to fight.

We merely scratch the surface of this documentary—a tribute to the resilience of women who turned the tide against terror. Their war was not just against ISIS; it was a war for humanity itself.