Aufgeben kam nicht in Frage

Giving Up Was Not An Option

Animated Documentary Film, 7min, 2023 ONLINE

In 2021, during the screening of my first animated documentary, Susanne Haußmann was in the audience. We met for the first time at GWA St. Pauli. She spoke to me with such warmth and friendliness, and she told me how much she liked my film. A year later, she contacted me again. We met for tea at Hein-Köllisch-Platz, where she shared with me the story of Fatima and asked whether it might be possible to turn it into an animated documentary.

I was deeply impressed by her dedication to her work at the women’s shelter, as well as her courage and solidarity. At that time, I was also searching for new film ideas, so I said yes. It took a year to complete the film, and I learned so much throughout the process.

THANK YOU!

I am grateful to Susanne and GWA St. Pauli for their support, and to Fatima and Onur for allowing me to tell their story. And I would also like to thank Ali Shibly, who composed the music for the film without any budget.And I am thankful to Kristina Timmermann — with her support, we were able to organise a panel discussion and film screening in 2024.

Film Stills

“A woman escapes an abusive marriage in Germany, but when her ex-husband strikes back, she must fight for her future with the support of a women’s shelter."

Animated Documentary, 7 min 10 sec
Director: Zeynep Sıla Demircioğlu
Narrator/ Project : Susanna Haußmann
Music: Ali Shibly
Created with the Support of GWA St. Pauli, Hochschule für Bildende Künste Hamburg

Futuere Screenings:

30.12.2025 Film Screening and Talk, Schmalkalden. INFO

Past Screenings:

HausDrei Stadtteil und Kultur Zentrum, Hamburg- Special Film Screening  (Germany)

Animateka Film Festival (Slovenia)

Rising of Lusitania Animadoc Film Festival (Poland)

Process Photos