Directed by Nûman Yigît, ‘Heval Birako’ is based on a story written by journalist Nazim Daştan. The script has been written by Önder Çakar.
Filming began on 7 August 2024, and was completed on 7 October the same year. The film (113 minutes) will premiere at the Rojava International Film Festival in November.
The story of ‘Heval Birako’ follows two siblings separated by ISIS gangs. The gangs attempt to train the siblings to use them against their own people and culture. In the end, however, the siblings are reunited through the longing and bond they share.
Director Nûman Yigît told ANHA: “Heval Nazim Daştan and Cîhan Bîlgîn were brutally murdered. Nazim’s contribution to this story was immense. We dedicated this film to him in order to keep his memory alive.”
The first screening of ‘Heval Birako’ will take place at the Rojava International Film Festival, which will begin on 13 November 2025, in Qamishlo. The film will be shown at the festival’s opening.
On 19 December 2024, journalists Cîhan Bîlgîn and Nazim Daştan were targeted while on assignment. The vehicle they were traveling in, between Tishrîn Dam and the city of Sirîn in the Euphrates Canton, was struck by a Turkish state drone. Both journalists were killed in the attack.