Banaz: A Love Story

Banaz Mahmod grows up in Britain and forms a relationship with Rahmat, a bond that becomes precarious as her family and community exert pressure. The film presents Banaz in her own words, showing her warmth and courage amid mounting risk. This sets the stage for the conflict that leads to violence.

Banaz attempts to live life on her own terms but faces coercion, suppression of autonomy, and threats from those around her. The summary describes how her choice to leave an oppressive pattern endangers her safety and places her at odds with her family. The film documents the growing tension that culminates in tragedy.

In 2006, Banaz is murdered by her own family, with the involvement of a broader Kurdish community. She disappears, and the case shocks the local community and attracts international press coverage. The film documents the brutal nature of the act and its lasting impact.

Police launch an investigation into Banaz's disappearance, recognizing the motive of an honour-based killing. Detectives begin to uncover a network linked to her family and the wider community. The case marks the start of a long, painstaking pursuit for justice.

For four years, a dedicated police team works to build a coherent case, gaining the trust of witnesses and navigating sensitivities within the community. They persist through obstacles and resistance, keeping Banaz's memory at the center of the inquiry. Their diligence lays the groundwork for eventual accountability.

DCI Goode leads the investigation with determination, pursuing leads and ensuring Banaz's voice is heard where others remained silent. She coordinates the effort to gather evidence and press for justice, even when personal risks and bureaucratic hurdles arise. The film highlights her unwavering commitment to Banaz and Bekhal.

The filmmakers reveal never-before-seen footage of Banaz speaking about the horrors she faced and even predicting her murder. This material gives Banaz a direct voice in the documentary, countering silence with intimate testimony. It reinforces the human story behind the statistics.

Bekhal, Banaz's sister, courageously testifies against her own family and community. Her testimony represents a pivotal moment that challenges long-standing norms and pressures. The film portrays the bravery required to stand up for justice in a hostile environment.

Banaz's posthumous messages become pivotal evidence that helps convict her father and uncle of murder. The messages bring a deeply personal dimension to the courtroom proceedings. They stand as a powerful testament to Banaz's voice from beyond the grave.

The pursuit extends beyond national borders as investigators follow leads to Iraq, illustrating the scale of the case. The international dimension underscores the commitment to holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of distance. The film shows how justice travels across borders to reach Banaz's killers.

Deeyah, an international music producer and activist, spends four years making the documentary. She builds trust with Banaz's family, Bekhal, and the police, often working under tight funding constraints. The film becomes a deeply intimate chronicle of courage, loss, and advocacy.

The documentary serves as an act of remembrance, finally giving Banaz a voice that had been silenced. It documents how her story helped bring her killers to justice and raise global awareness about honour killings. The film frames Banaz as a symbol of horror and hope in the fight against oppressive practices.

Banaz's story endures as a symbol of resilience, showing that even in the face of brutality, courage and memory can drive change. The film preserves her warmth, beauty, and humanity for audiences around the world. It invites viewers to remember Banaz and continue the fight for justice.