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Weaving the Transformation

from Experience to Production - Nar Sanat Association

13.01.2025

Rojda Ferda Yılmazoğlu from Nar Sanat Association in Antep shared about HABBE —their VAHA hub collaboration with Dersim Yenigün Women Solidarity Association—and the hub's transnational exchange with Bundesverband der Migrantinnen in Deutschland from Germany.

Habbe Short Film Days

Our project, which began in November 2023, showcased short films and documentaries directed by women, with a particular focus on reaching women viewers. The primary goal of this project, which also aimed to increase women’s participation in social and cultural spheres, was to make gender inequality and women’s lived experiences visible through the lens of women directors. It also sought to highlight the challenges faced by women directors and crew members during production, creating spaces for discussion and solutions. Our screenings concluded in September 2024.

Through Habbe Short Film Days, we connected with many directors, short films, and women viewers throughout the process. These gatherings reminded us of the burdensome stories we carry on our shoulders as women, as well as the strength and resilience we draw from them to keep fighting.



Before starting this project, we were organizing monthly short film days at our association. The idea of implementing a women-centered program, in collaboration with Dersim Yenigün Women Solidarity Association, which works in the field of women’s rights, excited us. Naturally, this responsibility was significant. While we had previously organized diverse screenings in the field of cinema, creating spaces for discussion around women-themed films and stories told from the perspective of women directors enriched us, the visiting directors, and the participants with different experiences.

Each director’s unique perspective and storytelling style became a source of inspiration for many participants. These narratives addressed not only individual stories but also broader societal issues. The experiences demonstrated how vital it is to create both artistic and social awareness. Experiencing the transition from personal stories to production and finding the opportunity to bring it to life empowered us significantly.




Many viewers shared, “This is my story.” Some found inspiration in the documentaries and expressed, “I could tell my story in this way.” After these screenings, a female viewer was motivated to write her story and shared it with us. Discussions were held not only about screenings but also about being part of the production process.

These women-centered screening programs with women directors inspired initiatives in other cities as well, not just in our own. We had conversations with groups from various cities who reached out to us about creating meeting spaces with the directors of the films shown.

One of the key topics for us was brainstorming about the sustainability of the Habbe program, even if it wasn’t always focused on women-centered themes, but in different themes and forms.

The Habbe program also led to the creation of the “In Search of Invisible Voices with Youth” program, in collaboration with Altyazı Cinema Magazine, allowing us to plan a joint program for 2025.



Within the VAHA’s Transnational Exchange activities, we organized a linocut workshop in collaboration with Bundesverband der Migrantinnen in Deutschland in Germany. Only women participants joined this workshop, becoming part of the production process. This created great motivation for both the participants and us. Beyond being just a production process, it became a network of solidarity. Participants viewed themselves as integral to the workshop. Suggestions for different workshops to be held in the future also emerged.



In conclusion, this project was not just work but also an experience of building a community, fostering solidarity, and sharing the strength of women. As Nar Sanat Association, we continue to support women’s creative potential through various workshops and projects. We extend our gratitude to Anadolu Kültür and zusa for their support during this process.

You can access the brochure we prepared for Habbe Short Film Days through this link.
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