Since declaring its autonomy, Rojava (an autonomous Kurdish region in northeastern Syria) has worked towards building a democratic society amidst ongoing conflict. Despite challenges from the Syrian regime, the ongoing existence of ISIS and Turkish aggression, Rojava has advanced its revolutionary movement through politics, local governance, communication and art, aiming to establish a successful societal model.
Art has become one of the most successful facets of Rojava’s young revolution, with films gaining international acclaim. ‘When the Seedlings Grow’, the latest success, has garnered festival accolades and is now freely accessible to all.
‘When the Seedlings Grow’ follows a single day in the lives of Zelal and her father as they journey from their village to the city, where they are selling handmade yogurt. They encounter Hemûd, who is searching for belonging amid change. The film explores themes of perseverance and identity against Rojava’s evolving society.
The Film Commune Rojava describes it as capturing “a snapshot of revolutionary life, mirroring societal change to the organic growth of a tree, anchored by the resilience of its youngest pioneers.”
Director Rêger Azad Kaya, born in Ağrı (Agirî) in Northern Kurdistan, developed his skills at Turkey’s Akdeniz University. After starting with short and documentary films, ‘When the Seedlings Grow’ is Kaya’s full-length debut. It premiered in Kobanê and achieved international acclaim, resonating across diverse cultures from Cologne to Uruguay.
