Canadian filmmaker Zayne Akyol’s film, “Rojek,” has been chosen as Canada’s submission for the 2023 Oscars’ best international feature film category. The documentary focuses on ISIS terrorists and their desire to establish a Caliphate, showcasing the experiences of imprisoned members of the Islamic State and their wives in temporary camps. Through personal stories, the film delves into the fundamentalist beliefs of jihadists and chronicles the rise and fall of ISIS.
Zayne Akyol, known for her previous documentary “Gulîstan, Land of Roses,” which depicted the struggles of Kurdish soldiers fighting against ISIS, once again explores the topic of Islamic State in “Rojek.” The film utilizes a multilingual approach, incorporating Arabic, English, French, and Kurdish languages. After its world premiere at the 2022 Visions du Réel Film Festival in Switzerland, “Rojek” premiered in Canadian theaters in January 2023.
Despite its selection as Canada’s submission for the Oscars, “Rojek” has not yet been screened at American festivals or secured a theatrical release in the United States. The film shares similarities with Megan Smaker’s documentary “Jihad Rehab,” which premiered at Sundance and faced criticism for its portrayal of three Guantanamo Bay detainees participating in a Saudi program aimed at rehabilitating Muslim extremists.
Produced by Audrey-Ann Dupuis-Pierre and Sylvain Corbeil at Metafilms in Canada, “Rojek” adds to the legacy of Canadian films in the Oscars’ international feature film category. Canadian films, often hailing from French-speaking Quebec, have received seven nominations for this award in the past. The most recent nomination was for Kim Nguyen’s “War Witch” in 2012. Denys Arcand’s “The Barbarian Invasions” remains the only Canadian film to have won the award, achieving this feat in 2003.
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Looking ahead, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce the films shortlisted for the 2024 Oscars on December 21. The final five nominees will be revealed on January 23, 2024. The 95th Oscars ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 10, 2024.
While Akyol’s “Rojek” offers a unique perspective on the topic of ISIS and their pursuit of a Caliphate, it remains to be seen how it will be received by audiences and critics. The documentary sheds light on the personal stories of imprisoned members of the Islamic State and their wives, contributing to a deeper understanding of the complex motivations behind jihadist beliefs. By tracing the beginning, rise, and eventual decline of ISIS, “Rojek” provides a comprehensive overview of the organization’s impact and serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat of extremism in today’s world.
The selection of “Rojek” as Canada’s submission for the best international feature film category at the Oscars reflects the continued efforts of Canadian filmmakers to address important global issues through cinema. By showcasing stories that exemplify the diverse perspectives and experiences of individuals affected by extremism, these films contribute to a broader dialogue and foster greater understanding among audiences worldwide.
As the anticipation builds for the 95th Oscars ceremony, film enthusiasts around the world eagerly await the announcement of the final nominees. The selection of films in the international feature film category provides a snapshot of the global filmmaking landscape and offers an opportunity to celebrate the diverse voices and perspectives present in today’s cinema.
In conclusion, Zayne Akyol’s “Rojek” stands as Canada’s submission for the 2023 Oscars’ best international feature film category. Through its portrayal of imprisoned ISIS members and their dream of a Caliphate, the documentary sheds light on the fundamentalist beliefs of jihadists and traces the rise and fall of ISIS. With its multilingual approach and personal narratives, “Rojek” offers a unique perspective on a complex and timely topic. As the March 2024 Oscars ceremony approaches, audiences will eagerly await the announcement of the final nominees and the opportunity to engage with the diverse stories presented onscreen.
