INDIA: A special screening of the Crimean Tatar film Haytarma was held at Alliance Française de Delhi this week to commemorate Crimean Tatar Flag Day. Organized by the Embassy of Ukraine in India, the event brought together diplomats, scholars, film critics, and members of the public for an evening of remembrance, reflection, and historical reckoning.
The film, directed by Akhtem Seitablayev, follows the life of Amet-Khan Sultan—a celebrated Crimean Tatar pilot and two-time recipient of the Hero of the Soviet Union title. Set during the 1944 Stalinist deportation of the Crimean Tatars, Haytarma presents a stark portrayal of collective trauma and erasure. The screening was followed by a panel discussion, moderated by film critic Murtaza Ali Khan, which explored the film’s historical significance and emotional impact in today’s context.
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Haytarma captures the cultural memory of a people nearly erased
Opening the evening, Patricia Loison, Director of Alliance Française de Delhi, emphasized the role of cultural platforms in preserving marginalized histories. Ukrainian Ambassador Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk called Haytarma a “cultural testimony” and stressed its continued relevance amid Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. Despite having seen the film several times, he noted that its emotional force never fades.
Ambassador Sena Latif of Romania, who has Crimean Tatar ancestry, shared a personal reflection on identity, memory, and generational trauma. She described the lingering effects of authoritarian regimes in both Crimea and Romania, where expressions of Tatar identity—such as speaking the language—were often hidden out of fear. Latif recounted how her family’s past in Bakhchysaray, the historic capital of the Crimean Tatars, connected her deeply to the narrative portrayed in the film.
“Films like Haytarma serve as bridges across time,” she said, “ensuring that the lived experiences of those silenced by history are not lost.”
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Speakers also touched on broader themes of resistance and survival. Dr. Polishchuk underscored the resilience of the Crimean Tatar community, whose return to their homeland in the late 20th century marked a long journey of reclaiming identity after decades of exile. Today, he said, remembering this past is vital not just for the community itself, but for all those who value justice and self-determination.
The evening concluded with calls for solidarity with persecuted communities and recognition of the role of storytelling in confronting historical injustices. The screening of Haytarma, participants agreed, served not only as a tribute to the past but also as a lens through which current struggles for freedom and dignity can be better understood.
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