Kahi Titab is a young documentary filmmaker from Kurdistan best known for directing films Childhood Outside the War and When Hope Dies, which have garnered nearly a dozen international awards.
Titab’s latest work, Under the Load of Life, won the award for Best Picture at the Duemila30 international short film festival held in Milan, Italy in June, in collaboration with the UN. This year’s festival featured 150 films by directors from 80 different countries with the focus being on the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Titab was the only Kurdish director to participate and win an award.
Synopsis of film
In the film, head of documentaries at Kurdistan24 Sarwar Mohiuddin narrates the story of peasants living along the border regions of Iran, Iraq, and Turkey, where over 20,000 people are forced into smuggling, a practice known as kolbar. This dangerous work involves men, women, and children, who are pushed by limited job opportunities in the areas that border Iran to undertake perilous journeys to earn a living, sometimes carrying loads of cargo that exceed 30 kilograms for distances over 30 kilometers all for a profit of $1. Meanwhile, they face threats from Iranian security forces, who frequently open fire on these porters. In 2022 alone, 45 porters were killed and 172 injured.
Statement from the director
“For as long as I can remember, I have been captivated by the stories of the kolbars, the Kurdish porters who traverse treacherous mountain ranges to move goods across borders. Their lives are marked by tradition, hardship, and perseverance. This documentary aims to capture their essence and share their hidden stories with the world.
“Through the camera lens, we meet the porters – elderly men, young men, and teenagers – who risk their lives daily to provide for their families and witness the unforgiving landscapes they navigate, the burdens they bear, and the dangers they encounter. Yet, we also see their strength, determination, and deep love for their country. This film is not just about porters; it’s about the human spirit, the will to survive against all odds and the enduring power of tradition.
“I believe their story will resonate with audiences worldwide and am dedicated to creating films that are both informative and emotionally engaging. Using stunning cinematography, we showcase the beauty and intensity of the Kurdistan mountains, blending interviews with kolbars and local experts with historical footage to create a richly textured portrait of their lives. Ultimately, I hope this documentary raises awareness about the plight of these porters and the challenges they face. I also hope it inspires viewers to learn more about Kurdish culture and history. This is a story that needs to be told, and I am proud to be the one telling it.”
Rahim Rashidi, a Washington DC-based Kurdish journalist, is widely recognized as "Mr. Kurd." He is focused on Kurdish affairs in Kurdistan and abroad.
