ZAHIRA’S PEACE
1h 14min | Not Rated | 22 June 2012
A Survivor’s Journey
Produced in association with Canal +, Spain, ZAHIRA’S PEACE, is a feature documentary that tells the courageous story of Zahira, a young woman gravely injured in the Atocha train station bombing in Madrid on March 11, 2004, which took the lives of 191 people and injured 2,051. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the political upheavel that roiled Spain in the wake of that tragic event.
The film features the music of Spanish artists including Seydu, Djamel Benyelles and Jaco Abel who performed in tribute to Zahira’s courage.
CO-PRODUCED BY CANAL+ SPAIN
Produced by Jose Bustos for CANAL+ SPAIN
Produced and Directed by Nina Rosenblum
Produced and Written by Mercedes Goiz
Written by Dennis Watlington
Cinematography by Eduardo Mangada
Edited by Gonzalo Cabrera
Music by Seydu, 08001, Djamel Benyelles, Jaco Abel
Zahira, her boyfriend Julio and her family struggle with dignity in the midst of dramatic forces that impact Spain and the world in response to the M-11 attacks. The Spanish government’s initial deception concerning the perpetrators of the bombings backfired, bringing about tremendous political change in Spain.
Through a young victim’s eyes, we will etch a face on the collatoral damage that has been depersonalized by the Iraq war initiative. How many innocent people have to sacrefice their birthright to early death or injury before the international community decides that enough is enough? The film builds a case for peace through the image of young Zahira’s disfigured smile.
ZAHIRA features multi-cultural musicians including Seydu, Djamel Benyelles, Jaco Abel and 08001 from Barcelona, filmed in concert in Madrid. These diverse cultural influences are symbolic of the forces coming together offering a powerful voice soliciting warriors for peace.