Oscar Winner Tackles Rohingya Genocide Next

Filmmaker James Longley, a two-time Oscar nominee, recently received the top award at the Ji.hlava Documentary Film Festival for his film "Mohabat." His upcoming project will focus on the Rohingya genocide, an event that will mark its 10th anniversary in 2027. Longley has already begun filming the initial stages of this project, aiming to be the first documentary feature to explore this formally recognized genocide by the United States, the European Union, and the British government.

Longley's film "Mohabat," set in Afghanistan, offers a child's perspective on the impact of war and the Taliban. The story follows 12-year-old Mohabat, whose father was killed by a U.S. drone strike. The filmmaker emphasizes his goal of helping non-Afghans understand Afghanistan better, arriving with a camera instead of a weapon. He believes a child's viewpoint is crucial for Western audiences experiencing these realities for the first time.

Collaboration played a key role in "Mohabat," with Alex Gibney serving as a producer alongside Longley and Mohammad Sharif Hotak. Hotak's local knowledge and shared experiences with the children in the film were vital. Longley, known for his pro-human and anti-war politics, sees his films as reflections of his own values, aiming to tell untold stories with authenticity and respect.