Through the 2000s, ISIS claimed to be waging a holy war against violent nonbelievers, claiming a swath of land in Iraq and Syria in the fallout of the Iraq War. By 2013, now describing themselves as a Caliphate, they had a robust propaganda network broadcasting worldwide over social media. This propaganda proved especially effective to young Muslims who had recently entered a deeper relationship with their faith but lacked guidance and context. Shamima Begum (UK) and Hoda Muthana (US) have been denied their citizenship for their involvement with ISIS.
They and tens of thousands of others remain trapped and stateless among refugee camps that dot the Syrian landscape. Shamima and Hoda live in a Kurdish-run camp in Rojava, and The Return follows their lives there. They give in-depth interviews about their lives under ISIS and their struggles to return to the countries of their birth.
The Return: Life After ISIS is a beautifully shot and emotionally moving film. The people—mostly women and their children—trapped in these refugee camps find themselves stuck in a political trap. It’s agreed by experts that these women are victims of ISIS manipulation and should be treated like former cult members. However, their home countries continue to politicize their involvement with ISIS and deny them their basic human rights to enter the countries of their birth. Many European countries will only agree to take their children, splitting up the families in the name of national security, adding insult to injury.
The film is well-paced at the beginning, but it does drag toward the end. This is the sole blemish on an otherwise excellent documentary. Those interested in Human Rights or the various recent conflicts in the Middle East will want to see The Return: Life After ISIS. Highly Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
The Return deserves a prominent place among human rights documentaries but could also fit in war, culture, and biography documentary collections.
What type of college instructor could use this film?
Women’s studies professors will find the most general use in this particular title. Anyone teaching the recent history of Syria or the Middle East should consider The Return for their classes.
What is the retail price and/or Public Performance License fee?
DVD - $375, DSL - $450, DVD + DSL - $475