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SHARED LAND: A BATTLE FOR SURVIVAL

The massacre of 7 October 2023 shattered lives of thousands of people and changed the Middle East for years to come.

Elmira Musazade, a Muslim journalist from Azerbaijan, the only Shia-Muslim state of the former Soviet Union, travels to kibbutz Be’eri only days after the tragic events. She bears witness to unimaginable horrors and asks questions how this all could happen.

While looking for answers she explores the deep-rooted conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, capturing the human cost of decades of warfare, political division, and unresolved history.

With intimate access to those living at the frontline of the struggle, this film explores the persistent cycle of violence, the hope for peace, and the harsh realities of life in the occupied territories.

Through powerful firsthand testimonies and on-the-ground reporting, the film paints a vivid picture of life for both Israelis and Palestinians, showing the profound impact of constant tension, military occupation, and ideological divides.

The Eternal Struggle is a powerful, unflinching documentary which makes one think.

  • Vugar Khalilov
    Director
  • Elmira Musazade
    Writer
  • Elmira Musazade
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Experimental, Short, Television
  • Runtime:
    47 minutes 15 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 23, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Azerbaijan
  • Country of Filming:
    Azerbaijan, Israel
  • Language:
    Russian
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Vugar Khalilov

Born in the latter half of the 20th century, I embarked on a professional journey deeply rooted in the medical field, having graduated with a degree in medicine from the esteemed Moscow Medical Academy named after I.M. Sechenov. My initial aspirations were firmly aligned with the medical profession, a path I pursued with dedication and passion. However, the seismic shifts of Gorbachev's Perestroika era catalyzed a pivotal change in my career trajectory, steering me towards the dynamic world of journalism.
This unexpected shift from medicine to journalism was not just a change in profession but a profound transformation in my life's work. As the Soviet Union underwent historic transformation, I found my true calling in journalism. This new path allowed me to utilize my analytical skills and deep understanding of societal changes, marking the beginning of what would become a lifelong dedication to the field. My career in journalism has spanned the late 20th and into the 21st century, showcasing my adaptability and enduring commitment to this craft.
Today, I stand as a seasoned media manager and producer, with a remarkable 30 years of experience in various prestigious media outlets. My professional journey includes significant roles at Radio “Liberty”, the BBC World Service, and CBC TV Azerbaijan. In these capacities, I have covered an extensive range of topics, including Azerbaijan's politics, economy, culture, and its international relations, as well as the intricate Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
My expertise has also been recognized beyond journalism. I have served as an external adviser to the Government of Kyrgyzstan, where my experience and insights have been highly valued. Additionally, my career has seen me embracing the role of PR director at the British company “Peregrine Communications”.
In recent years, I have expanded my professional scope to include documentary filmmaking. Over the past two years, I have been actively involved in producing documentary films, a venture that combines my journalistic expertise with a passion for storytelling through a cinematic lens. This new chapter in my career is not just an expansion of my professional repertoire but a testament to my unwavering commitment to exploring and understanding the world in all its complexities.

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Director Statement

Statement from the Director

As I approached this film, I knew that every story within it would be a painful reminder of the unbreakable bond between a place and its people—a bond that is often overshadowed by years of conflict and overshadowed by walls, both literal and emotional. Yet, as a filmmaker, I feel compelled to move past the headlines, to explore not just the facts, but the beating hearts and fierce hopes of those living on the edge of despair, who still dream of peace.

The morning of October 7 was not just a date on a calendar but a shattering event, an earthquake of human suffering that sent ripples across families, communities, and an entire region. The violence and heartbreak were unimaginable, leaving thousands with lives irrevocably altered. Yet amid that suffering, I also saw acts of courage that spoke louder than words—families protecting each other, strangers stepping up to help one another, and entire communities grieving together, united in their shared sense of loss.

In creating this documentary, my goal was not merely to capture the horror or to re-tell the political narrative that is so often shared. Instead, I wanted to honor the memories of those lost and to recognize the resilience and humanity of those who survived. We hear from parents who lost children, siblings who watched in helpless disbelief, and young people who have lost their futures. Through their voices, we encounter the depth of love and loyalty that exists even in the face of indescribable pain. They are not just characters in a news story; they are mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters, each one carrying within them stories of hope, of faith, and of longing for something greater than war.

But this film isn’t just about documenting sorrow. It’s a call, an urgent reminder, that beneath every conflict are human beings who share a universal longing to live in peace. The more we see these individuals as real people, not distant headlines, the closer we come to empathy. Through their testimonies, I invite viewers to feel the grief, the love, the resilience—to remember that this is not merely a conflict zone; it is a home. A home filled with memories, dreams, and desires to create a different legacy for the next generation.

This film is not an easy journey, but it’s a necessary one. It holds a mirror up to our shared humanity and challenges us to see past the dividing lines of geography and ideology. Every moment, every story, is an invitation to engage, to feel, and to act. I ask you not to view this as simply a documentary on Israel or Palestine, but as a testament to what makes us human: our ability to endure, to love, and to hope—even in our darkest hour.

May we watch this film not with distant interest but with hearts open, reminded that the courage of these individuals is a call to all of us. In their resilience, we see our own potential for compassion. In their stories, may we find a way forward, a glimpse of a future where peace is not a distant dream but a reality shared by all.