Kurdistan

My first independent documentary

The Buried Struggle – Landmines in Kurdistan

The northern region of Iraq, Kurdistan, is contaminated with many explosive remnants of war and thousands of minefields. In former times many villagers cleared mines themselves, Hoshiyar Ali (47) being one of them. Today there are specialized de-mining organizations that are responsible for clearing the region. However, Hoshiyar is one of the few that refuses to give up his life task: clearing mines. Even after losing both his legs due to mine-explosions. This is the story of a struggle involving patriotism and hidden dangers.

Documentary The Buried Struggle – Landmines in Kurdistan – Official Trailer from Mariska Dekker on Vimeo.

Newroz

My first independent documentary

Having fun with the GoPro Camera

During the shooting for our documentary about landmines in Kurdistan, we decided to take a little break. Don’t forget…it was New Years Eve…or better…Newroz.

We did the filming with a small and extremely awesome camera (the Hero Cam Pro) on my head, Zilemo her head…and the head of a unknown Kurd who was in the midst of the celebrating.

The celebration was in the city of Slemani, Kurdistan.