[Past Event] Documentaries of a Stateless Nation | Ryan Ranch

Course Description:

U.S. media has presented contradictory images of Kurds, including the brave female fighters who recently defeated the extremist Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), as well as the 1980s victims of Saddam Hussein’s chemical gas attack that claimed five thousand lives in five minutes. Are Kurds victims or heroes? Through the works of renowned documentary filmmakers, accompanied by discussion and critical analysis, we will delve into the complex realities of one of the largest ethnic groups in the world without a country of their own. We'll explore the distinctive qualities of Kurdish culture, such as multilingualism, resilience and fearlessness, and examine the compelling narratives and unique perspectives of Kurds in Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and Syria and how U.S. foreign policy has shaped their lives.