Syrian activist Wafa Mustafa seeks truth and justice for disappeared fathers

The film, premiering at the Sheffield DocFest, delves into the emotional toll of 'the violence of waiting,' following Mustafa's efforts in Berlin and Syria to uncover what happened to her father and others. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, over 177,000 people have been forcibly disappeared in Syria between 2011 and 2025, with many ending up in notorious prisons where they were tortured and often killed.

Mustafa, who has been active in raising international awareness through UN meetings and vigils, views the film as a condensed memoir of her six-year campaign. She hopes it will offer audiences a glimpse into the profound impact of not knowing a loved one's fate, especially when authorities attempt to erase the existence of victims. Al-Kateab emphasized the importance of Mustafa owning her story, encouraging her to find her own way to tell it.

The documentary highlights that the fight is not only for accountability or the possibility of loved ones being alive, but also to prove they existed. Mustafa stresses that enforced disappearances are a global issue, particularly affecting women who often lead the search for missing relatives. She aims to prevent other young women in Syria from enduring similar guilt and responsibility, ensuring her father, whom she calls her 'first comrade,' is remembered.