The Phantom Pain of Rojava Review: Kurdish Veterans' Courage and 2026

The Phantom Pain of Rojava is a deeply moving documentary that captures the courage and survival of Kurdish veterans who fought against Islamic State. Directed by Maryam Ebrahimi, the film offers an intimate look at life inside a home for injured army veterans in the autonomous region of Rojava, northern Syria.

Overview of the Documentary

Ebrahimi’s lens focuses primarily on the female veterans who made headlines a decade ago for their bravery on the battlefield. The film opens with a powerful scene at a funeral where women carry a coffin—a first the director has witnessed in the Middle East. This sets the tone for a story about sisterhood, resilience, and the enduring scars of war.

Key Characters and Their Stories

The commander of the veterans’ home, Sorkhin, is an Iranian Kurd known for saving Yazidi women and girls from IS captivity. Despite her fierce reputation, she exudes gentleness and warmth. Another resident, Zarin, is a former sniper who suffered a brain injury but still beams when she says, “I was wounded for democracy.” Fadakhar, a man who lost both legs, struggles nightly with phantom itches and pains—hence the film’s title.

Historical Context

Women began leaving their villages to fight IS in 2011, forming all-female battalions that became symbols of resistance. The documentary could have provided more background on this history, but its emotional power comes from personal testimony. Sorkhin’s mission has always been the same: “Everything I have done is for women … I want women to live as human beings.”

Comparison Table: Key Veterans in the Film

Key Takeaways

• The documentary highlights the untold stories of Kurdish female fighters who risked everything against IS.
• It explores the psychological and physical toll of war, including phantom limb pain and hyper-vigilance.
• The film is a testament to the power of sisterhood and solidarity in the face of ongoing threats.
• Viewers gain insight into the autonomous socialist region of Rojava and its unique gender dynamics.

Critical Reception

Critics have praised The Phantom Pain of Rojava for its tender, unobtrusive style. The Guardian called it “incredibly moving,” noting that Ebrahimi’s gaze is drawn to the female veterans’ courage. The film runs for about 90 minutes and is currently screening at Bertha DocHouse in London starting July 31.

Why This Documentary Matters

In a time when conflicts in the Middle East are often reduced to headlines, this film gives a human face to the war against IS. It shows that even after the battles end, the fight for dignity, democracy, and recognition continues. For anyone interested in war documentaries, women’s rights, or Kurdish history, The Phantom Pain of Rojava is a must-watch.

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