DESPITE ALL THIS

Inspired by Karl Liebknecht’s combative cry “despite all this!”, the title of this film stands for hope and perseverance in times of oppression. It is precisely this attitude that characterizes the women of Rojava, who are rebuilding their lives in war-torn northern Syria after the reign of terror of ISIS. The film accompanies them as they form communities of solidarity beyond patriarchal structures—in radio studios, workshops, and fields. Preserving traditions such as cooking, weaving, and storytelling is just as important as conquering new freedoms. Fear gives rise to passion, trauma to resistance. A freedom that can only exist in solidarity—despite all this.