Beautiful, interesting, incredible cinema.
Every year, Shiite Muslims commemorate the death of Hussein, the prophet Mohammed’s grandson who died at the Battle of Karbala in 680. They reenact the event at a mosque, in charming handmade “historical” outfits.
Originally designed as a three-channel video installation, Köken Ergun’s work presents a rare look into the Shiite minorities in Turkey. Shot over three years with an anthropological approach, Ashura emphasizes the similarities in communal ceremonies in a way that is both informative and empathetic.