Gulîstan, Land of Roses

The hidden frontline where Kurdish women defend freedom with courage and conviction

Gulîstan, Land of Roses offers a rare and deeply human portrait of the women who form part of the armed wing of the PKK, the Kurdistan Workers Party. From remote mountain camps near the Iraqi and Syrian borders, these fighters stand on the front lines against ISIS while defending Kurdish regions threatened by military attacks from neighbouring countries. The documentary follows their regimented, nomadic existence, shaped by ideological training, political meetings, physical preparation and weapons handling, all carried out within a strict guerrilla structure that fosters camaraderie and collective purpose. Their leader Abdullah Öcalan has been imprisoned since 1999, yet his ideas continue to guide the movement as these women strive for a more just democratic society.

Filmmaker Zaynê Akyol gains unique access to the inner circles of this community. Through the voices of fighters such as Rojen and Sozdar, the audience is invited into moments of reflection that reveal a world rarely shown. Rojen, only twenty three, carries the weight of leaving her family in secrecy but explains that her choice is rooted in solidarity with women and in a desire for political education and emancipation from male dominance. She waits for the moment she will be allowed to join the front. Sozdar, older and more experienced, brings a calm and thoughtful presence. She has fought in several battles and shares her beliefs about women as a moral force, her criticism of capitalism and her hope for a truly democratic future in Kurdistan. The camera becomes a quiet confidant as she speaks openly about her convictions and the meaning of sacrifice.

The film is shaped by a gripping sense of anticipation. With the enemy active in the distance, every woman dreams of pushing the Islamic State armed group from their territory. Despite the harsh conditions of the rocky mountains and arid landscapes that surround them, these seasoned fighters maintain unwavering commitment to the ideals that guide their struggle. By giving them space to speak with honesty and sincerity, the documentary captures both their ritualised daily activities and the emotional bonds that sustain them. It ultimately reveals the female and feminist face of a revolutionary movement that continues to fight for freedom in one of the most turbulent regions of the world.