War has been depicted on film for over a century. Many conflicts have been the focal point of films since global conflicts began. Some wars last for years, and these films only focus on the current situation. War is Over by Stefano Obino explores the area of Kurdistan, a region in the northern part of the country.
The violent group ISIS was responsible for much bloodshed in the region. At the beginning of the film, we see that over a million people in the region were impacted in some way due to the violence brought on by ISIS. However, like the title would suggest, the film doesn’t cover the horrors of war. It details what comes after.
Residents of places like Sinjar City are depicted living day-by-day. Granted, their homes have been turned to rubble, and they have lost countless friends and family because of the presence of ISIS in their land. However, Obino doesn’t focus on ISIS in any regard. We the viewer see the lives of people living in Kurdistan. He lets the camera linger on regular everyday life. This may take some viewers out of the picture, as the film is sometimes mundane.
But that’s precisely the point.
Obino allows the subjects of the film to simply exist, something they couldn’t do under ISIS occupation. We see citizens doing everyday activities like watching the World Cup Finals, smoking hookah, playing outside, spending time with relatives, and more. The normalcy drives the film. The juxtaposition of this everyday life lies in stark contrast to the environment in which these citizens lead their lives. It is staggering to see these people simply exist, considering what they endured.
Overall, War is Over is an insightful and moving documentary that brilliantly showcases the resilience of the human spirit in the aftermath of conflict, making it a valuable asset for both public libraries and academic environments.
What library shelves does War is Over belong on?
Documentaries Section: The film fits well in the documentaries section, providing patrons access to real-life accounts and visual storytelling about post-war Kurdistan. It offers a unique perspective on the aftermath of conflict, emphasizing the resilience and everyday lives of the people affected. This section will appeal to those looking for factual, impactful stories that reflect real-world issues and human experiences.
War and Conflict Studies: Placing the film in the war and conflict studies section allows patrons interested in military history and the effects of war to discover it easily. War is Over provides a nuanced look at the consequences of war, focusing on the rebuilding process and the enduring spirit of the survivors. It serves as a critical resource for those studying the long-term impacts of war and the processes of recovery and reconciliation.
Middle Eastern Studies: This section would attract patrons interested in the geographical and cultural aspects of the Middle East, offering a nuanced perspective of the region. The film delves into the specific experiences of the Kurdish people, providing a rich, detailed look at their culture, challenges, and resilience in the face of adversity. It enriches the understanding of the Middle East beyond the typical conflict-centric narratives.
Human Rights and Social Justice: The film highlights themes of resilience and recovery, making it suitable for shelves dedicated to human rights and social justice topics. It showcases the human cost of conflict and the struggle to regain normalcy, emphasizing the importance of protecting human rights and supporting post-conflict rehabilitation. This placement will resonate with patrons passionate about social justice, humanitarian efforts, and advocacy.
Cultural Studies: War is Over provides insights into the daily lives and cultural practices of people in Kurdistan, fitting well within the cultural studies section. The documentary captures the essence of Kurdish culture, traditions, and community life, offering a rich source of information for those studying cultural resilience and identity. It highlights how cultural practices endure and adapt in the face of significant disruption, providing valuable material for understanding the interplay between culture and conflict.
What classroom syllabus can War is Over be included in?
History and Political Science Courses
In Modern Middle Eastern History, War is Over can be used to explore the impacts of recent conflicts in the Middle East. In International Relations, the film facilitates discussions on post-conflict recovery and the geopolitical implications of war.
Sociology and Anthropology Courses
In Cultural Anthropology, the film provides a means to study how communities rebuild and maintain their cultural identities post-conflict. In Sociology of War and Peace, it serves to analyze social structures and resilience in post-war societies.
Human Rights and Social Justice Courses
Within Human Rights Studies, War is Over illustrates the impact of war on basic human rights and the recovery process. In Social Justice in Global Contexts, it supports discussions on social justice and humanitarian efforts in post-conflict regions.
Film Studies Courses
In Documentary Filmmaking, the film acts as a case study in how documentaries can highlight human experiences and social issues through everyday life. In War and Media, it explores how media portrayals of war and its aftermath shape public perception and understanding.
Psychology and Trauma Studies Courses
In Trauma and Recovery, the film is used to study the psychological impacts of war on individuals and communities and the recovery process. In Community Psychology, it provides insights into how communities collectively cope with and overcome trauma.
Director's Bio
Stefano Obino worked for various international networks. In 2018 Stefano decided to focus on projects that he felt were his, moving towards more artistic storytelling. He first made “Bare-Handed,” a short documentary published by The Guardian, and then War is Over, which premiered at the Roma International Film Festival. Reviewed as "a cinematic poem about the universal resilience of the human spirit", War is Over was awarded the Nastri d'Argento - Italian Critics' National Award.
Awards
- Official Selection – Amsterdam Koerdisch Film Festival
- Official Selection – Alice Netta Cittá Film Festival, Italian Panorama
- Official Selection – Liburnia Film Festival
Learn More About War Is Over
Click here to download the War Is Over Study Guide
Click here to download the War is Over Press Kit
Purchase War is Over
Click here to purchase the DVD $29.95
Click here to purchase the DVD w/ PPR: $250
Click here to purchase DSL & DVD w/ PPR: $375
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For purchase orders, to book screenings and for other inquiries, please contact:
Larry Rattner - larry@epfmedia.com