The Illusion of Security

The Illusion of Security
The Illusion of Security
Format
Documentary
Status
Completed
Original title
The Illusion of Security
Year
2026
Running time
61 min
Production countries / regions
Germany
Filming locations
Kurdistan
Original languages
Kurdish
Subtitles
German, English
Shooting format
Digital
Screening format
DCP, ProRes, MP4 (H.264)
Resolution
4K DCI
Aspect ratio
1.85:1 (Flat)
Colour
Colour
Sound
Stereo, 5.1

Press textWord

Synopsis

„The Illusion of Security“ is a poetic, observational documentary film about two women in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq), who struggle daily for something that many appear to take for granted: security. In a region in which freedom can be life-threatening, Choman Hardi, professor and activist, and Avin Nasrin, independent journalist, confront the violence with courage, eduction and a belief in change.
The director Hesam Yousefi, who himself fled eastern Kurdistan, brings his own perspective into the narrative. His voice connects the women’s stories with a overriding existential question: what does security mean in a world that offers none?

The Illusion of Security – film still 1/3
The Illusion of Security – film still 2/3
The Illusion of Security – film still 3/3

Production & Funding

Production
Academy of Media Arts Cologne, Hesam Yousefi

Credits

Protagonist
Choman Hardi, Avin Nasrin Hassan
Concept
Hesam Yousefi
Director
Hesam Yousefi
Sound designer
Sara Tavakoli, Max Galos
Audio Mix
Ralf Schipke
Color grading
Ewald Hentze
Editing
Hesam Yousefi
Editing and Dramaturgical Supervision
Rita Schwarze
Editing Supervision
Fani Schoinopoulou BFS, Christian Becker
Supervision
Prof. Oliver Schwabe, Prof. Phillipp Scheffner
Production Assistant
Firmesk Hafez
Producer
Hesam Yousefi
Translator
Irma Mečević
Project Office
Ursula Reber
Accounting
Kasia Renner
PR & Festivals
Ute Dilger