Türkiye’s ‘Holy Redemption’ documentary premieres internationally at Sarajevo Festival

The 7th Al Jazeera Balkans International Documentary Film Festival (AJB DOC), held in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital, Sarajevo, featured the international screening of the documentary “Holy Redemption.” Produced under challenging conditions faced by the TRT World Research Team, the documentary explores the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a unique lens.

On the third day of the festival, where Anadolu Agency (AA) served as the Global Communications Partner, “Holy Redemption” captivated audiences. Directed and produced by Jose Carlos Soares, Tanju Sahin, and Aslihan Eker Cakmak, the documentary was filmed two months after the Gaza genocide began on October 7. TRT World’s research team infiltrated radical Israeli groups in the West Bank, giving viewers a rare glimpse into their world.

Holy Redemption: Unfiltered voices, unbiased truth

Journalist Soares, speaking to AA, emphasized the documentary’s objective approach: “This documentary doesn’t reflect our personal opinions. Throughout the 53 minutes, there is no personal viewpoint; only the real thoughts of those speaking.”

Producer Eker Cakmak highlighted the significance of the project, noting that “Holy Redemption” tells the story of illegal Israeli settlers from their perspective, marking a first in documentary filmmaking. “For the first time, we’re not showing the story through the eyes of dispossessed Palestinians but through the settlers who have taken over their land. It’s their voices you hear,” she explained.

Cakmak also pointed out that the documentary includes insights from Israeli activists, showcasing how the occupation of Palestine unfolds day by day. She added, “Achieving such a project required extensive preparation and building trust with the people involved. TRT World had been working on this for a long time, and by establishing the right contacts, we gained the confidence needed to tell this story.”

Witnesses and perpetrators of zionist occupation

The documentary offers a gripping portrayal of the gradual occupation of Palestinian lands. It includes footage shot inside outposts where the radical group Hilltop Youth—often criticized even by Israeli media—was raised.

“Holy Redemption” sheds light on the brutal reality faced by Palestinians in the West Bank, where illegal Jewish settlers, recognized as such by the United Nations and much of the international community, commit atrocities. The film captures these events through the eyes of both witnesses and perpetrators, providing a powerful narrative.

Key interviews feature notorious figures such as settler leader Daniella Weiss, former Hilltop Youth member and current Israeli Parliamentarian Zvi Sukkot, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, activist lawyer Michael Sfard, Peace-Now movement leader Hagit Ofran, and Nadav Weiman, a former Israeli sniper.

“Holy Redemption” is also competing in the festival’s main competition.

AJB DOC Festival focuses on Palestine

Running until September 17, the AJB DOC Festival this year highlights the ongoing suffering of the Palestinian people due to Israeli aggression.

In addition to documentaries on Israel’s violence against Palestinians, the festival showcases 24 films addressing global economic and political crises. The jury for the festival includes Deborah London-Harrington, Namik Kabil, Mila Turajlic, Francesco Montagner, and Myriam Francois.

Three awards will be presented in the festival’s competition: the AJB Main Award, AJB Program Award, and the Audience Award. The festival also includes Industry Days, featuring various panel discussions.

“Holy Redemption” delivers a rare, unfiltered look at the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from the perspective of settlers, providing a new narrative in the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories. As the AJB DOC Festival continues to focus on Palestinian struggles, this documentary stands out as a bold, groundbreaking work.