The Seventh AJB DOC Film Festival "Life Between Checkpoints" masterclass: A compelling insight into life under occupation
The masterclass is scheduled for September 14th at Cineplexx Sarajevo Hall 2. Invitations will be available at the Cineplexx Sarajevo Box Office daily between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The seventh Al Jazeera Balkans Documentary Film Festival (AJB DOC) in cooperation with TRT Balkan, will feature a masterclass titled "Life Between Checkpoints". This impactful session will shed light on the challenges of living in the occupied West Bank. The masterclass will be led by Emre Baştuğ, director of TRT Balkan, and Melida Mustafić, a producer at the digital channel TRT Balkan.
The masterclass is scheduled for September 14th at Cineplexx Sarajevo Hall 2. Invitations will be available at the Cineplexx Sarajevo Box Office daily between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.
In the masterclass, Baştuğ and Mustafić will discuss the process of creating a short documentary film with the same title. The film was produced using a smartphone, a stabilizer, and a microphone. It explores the lives of foreign women married to Palestinians in the West Bank.
"This documentary focuses on non-Muslim women who are married to Palestinians. We filmed them because we wanted to show that the Zionists target not only Muslims but all those who disagree with their ideology, regardless of religion or nationality. Israel denied these women basic human rights as a way of punishing them for marrying Palestinians and giving birth to Palestinian children," Baştuğ says.
The film begins in Jerusalem, where the filmmakers meet a woman from the Balkans. Due to Israeli laws, it was challenging for her to meet them. They had to cross the checkpoint in Bethlehem to interview her. This experience gave them a unique insight into the daily challenges that foreigners living under occupation. The conversation revealed the harsh reality she faces simply because she is married to a Palestinian, despite having a passport that should grant her freedom of movement.
Advantages of new technologies
The film was shot using only a smartphone, a stabilizer, and a microphone. Therefore, part of the masterclass will focus on the new technologies that allowed the creators to address the challenges and risks of documenting life under the Israeli occupation.
"I believe it's crucial to explain how content can be created with these three simple devices, particularly with regard to their application in conflict zones or amid crises. But it's also important to explain the significance of all the advantages of modern technology," Baştuğ explains.
"The technology enabled us to capture desired shots quickly and discreetly, and also to safeguard them. There are numerous examples of journalists who have lost film footage or had it forcibly taken from them and deleted," he adds.
Reflecting on the filming process for this project and other projects they produced in Palestine, particularly in the occupied West Bank, Baştuğ and Mustafić will emphasize the importance of thorough preparation when filming in unstable conditions.
"I need to address the current situation in Bethlehem, where our film is set. I also want to discuss other cities in the West Bank, such as Hebron and Jenin. Israel has intensified its attacks in these areas of the occupied West Bank, further worsening an already difficult situation for the residents in the region," he emphasized.
Being a journalist or a filmmaker in Palestine is challenging, he adds, emphasizing the importance of discovering and sharing authentic stories from this region with the world.
Who are Emre Baştuğ and Melida Mustafić?
Emre Baştuğ is the director of TRT Balkan and the representative of TRT (Turkish Radio and Television Corporation) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He studied journalism at Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul. Emre's journalistic identity is formed by his dedication to sharing stories from various countries. His professional development, through contributions to numerous magazines and international media institutions, is characterized by a focus on people-centred journalism, storytelling, and digital innovation.
Melida Mustafić is an accomplished media professional currently based in Istanbul and serving as a producer at the digital channel TRT Balkan. Her strong commitment to journalism is evident through her extensive academic background, including a degree from the University of Ankara and a master's degree in new media and communication management from the University of Istanbul. Furthermore, she is currently pursuing a PhD in radio, television, and film.
Melida has gained valuable experience in various media fields such as photography, writing, and TV production. She utilizes journalism as
a means to amplify the voices of marginalized communities. Her ultimate aim is to pursue a career in teaching and share her knowledge and experience with future generations.