One Woman's Powerful Story Is Creating Change

From time to time, we will be featuring women who make a difference internationally. Here is the story of journalist Khazar Fatemi who fled war-torn Afghanistan in 1989, narrowly getting out with her life. Twenty years later, the former refugee returned to the place that has always remained in her heart. Her film, Where My Heart Beats, follows her dangerous, painful and inspirational journey. Behind the shadow of war and devastation, she opens a fascinating window into civilian Afghani life.

Tell us about your film in a few sentences.

No matter how high a wall you have built, a film can make it fall and touch your heart. Human stories do that—give you knowledge and a better understanding.

In this film you will join me on a journey back to my childhood neighborhoods in Afghanistan. I had the chance to flee twenty years ago, now we go back to understand what the people who didn't have the same chance have been going through. I explored what war does to people and countries.

What motivated you to make your film?

Knowing that my parents sacrificed everything to give me freedom and safety encouraged me to use my voice.

Why did you pick journalism as a career?

I never thought about becoming a journalist until 9/11 happened and the war started again in Afghanistan. Suddenly I was sitting there in front of the TV looking at images of war and Afghanistan that differed from my memories. I felt the need to tell my side of the story. I felt like I owed it to those who didn't have a voice.  I don't take freedom for granted.

What do we here in the USA not know about people in Afghanistan?

That they are just like you. They want their families to be safe and well, to  have food on their tables, a roof over their heads, the opportunity to get an education and have a future. What differs is that most of us have that--but for many of them it's a dream far away. 

I am so glad that I am from Middle East and grew up in west. I got the best of both worlds.

How can we see beyond appearances? Bring unity where there is war and disparity?

The best way to do that is to understand, and to do that, you have to learn. Ask questions, be open to things that are different, not afraid of them.
 
What is the special power of women—how do women connect people?

They have "hope." When I have been to countries in war--Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan--the women have been the ones who still had hope and strength.

Where do you see your work going?

No matter where you come from, what background you have, how old you are, you will find something in this film that touches you. My dream is to be able to keep working as a journalist, but also to travel around the world and show the movie.
 
Who saw something in you early on—when you were growing up, that you didn’t see in yourself?

We came to Sweden as refugees.  I had a teacher who not only taught me but also saw me. Now twenty years later I still visit with her once a year.

How can one individual make a difference regarding world peace?

See it as your responsibility to do something with the tools you have. As a journalist I have the freedom of speech.

The biggest tool is perhaps being a parent. Educate your children, teach them about history, why things happen, religion, tradition and understanding.