Crimean Tatars’ unending struggle for freedom has been nothing less than epic, and much of it is represented in the long life of Mustafa Dzhemilev. Finally, a film producer has recognized his story for what it is: a compelling tale of historic sweep featuring a legendary protagonist of distinguished bearing.
Tamila Tasheva, co-founder and chairwoman of the CrimeaSoS human rights organization, produced the full-length docudrama Mustafa, which was released in 2016 at the annual Kyiv Molodist International Film Festival and screened last year at the Ukrainian Institute of America in New York. Tasheva recently showed the film together with Dzhemilev before a Washington audience at the National Endowment for Democracy, which helped fund the film. Following the movie, a panel of experts discussed Crimea’s history and current situation.
