Lisa Russell, a Kenyan filmmaker emphasizes the role of creative expression in refusing to let the voices of Minab’s children be silenced and the necessity of preserving our shared humanity in the face of tragedy.
The horrific incident in Minab, which resulted in the loss of 168 primary school children, stands as a devastating tragedy. For many, it serves as a chilling testament to the disregard for human life shown by American and Zionist perpetrators—a reminder that such actions represent not just the death of individuals, but the death of humanity itself.
A Global Wave of Grief and Solidarity
This disaster has triggered widespread reactions both within Iran and across the globe. Many have drawn parallels between this tragedy and the ruthless killing of 20,000 Palestinian children in Gaza, who have also fallen victim to the Israeli war machine.
Artists have been among the most vocal in responding to this pain. Alongside Iranian poets who have produced numerous works in mourning, international artists and creators have joined the movement, determined to amplify the voices of the grieving mothers of Minab and honor the memory of the 168 innocent children lost.
The Power of Art in the Face of Chaos
Lisa Russell, a Kenyan filmmaker and artist, is one of the many who have spoken out. In a heartfelt post on her social media, she shared that seeing a photograph of the mothers in Minab left her deeply moved and contemplative. She emphasized the critical responsibility of the artistic community to ensure these children are not forgotten.
“This won’t stop a missile, and it won’t soothe a mother’s grief,” she wrote. “But it is the only way I know how to stand against the chaos and refuse to look away. I believe that if we write enough stories, compose enough songs, write poems, and create art—if we refuse to let violence become just background noise—our collective voices can change the narrative of this world.”
Refusing to Normalize Tragedy
Russell continued by expressing her personal struggle with the constant exposure to conflict. “I don’t want more headlines or more horrific images filling my phone screen. I want to feel, with all my heart, that these events are not normal and should not be accepted as such.”
In the concluding part of her statement, the filmmaker addressed the fundamental mission of art. “Art cannot undo a tragedy,” she noted, “but it can keep us ‘human’ in the face of it, and prevent us from turning away or becoming indifferent to the suffering of others.”
From: Tasnim