The idea for the Hold Still documentary emerged during a meeting held in Istanbul in 2017 as part of the Truth Justice Memory Center’s trial monitoring work. It was born out of a suggestion voiced by the relatives of the disappeared. Since that day, the production process of the documentary has been collectively shaped by families of the disappeared, human rights defenders, legal professionals, and artists. 

Feedback from screenings has shown that Hold Still evokes multilayered emotions and questions in viewers from different generations and regions. For Kurdish audiences, it rekindles a familiar memory deeply intertwined with the struggle for justice; for younger viewers, especially those in the western provinces of Turkey, it has become a first encounter with the historical reality of enforced disappearances. 

This booklet, informed by this diversity of viewer responses, serves two primary purposes: to provide essential background on the 1990s, the issue of enforced disappearances, and the Dargeçit case; and to deepen the discussion initiated by the Hold Still documentary on memory, justice, and political responsibility.

Our hope is that Hold Still continues to reach diverse audiences both in Turkey and internationally, contributing to local and global struggles for memory around enforced disappearances, state violence, impunity, and societal reckoning. 

► You can visit film’s website to learn more about the Dargeçit case. 
► Also check out the screening schedule to view upcoming screenings and discussions.

Please note: The website, including the screening schedule, is currently available only in Turkish.