IRENE SERVILLO | PORTRAIT OF SOLTAN ACHILOVA – ANIMATION BY NOOR IMAGES – FINALIST TO THE MARTIN ENNALS AWARDS 2021
March 03, 2021 Irene Servillo
We’re thrilled to share this very beautiful and important animation created by Olga Kravets & Anais Chic for NOOR Images, art by #lcmartist IRENE SERVILLO. “The animation is about Soltan Achilova’s battle to uphold the truth in isolated Turkmenistan. In retaliation for her commitment to freedom of speech in one of the most censured and isolated countries in the world, Soltan was victim to physical attacks, subject to a travel ban and strict surveillance. Against all odds, she keeps speaking the truth and reporting on human rights abuses in her country. The animation is up for the 2021 Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders. It will be screened there to celebrate Soltan’s life and work. We’re really proud to be sharing such a magnificent body of work from Irene. Please take the time to watch this very important work of art.
“Soltan Achilova (71) is an independent photojournalist and reporter in Turkmenistan, one of the most isolated and repressive countries in the world. She is shedding light on the many injustices and human rights violations people face in her country. With almost complete governmental control over its population, citizens of Turkmenistan have scarcely any recourse to defend their rights.
As an investigative journalist in a country without media freedom, Soltan Achilova is subject to severe forms of attacks and harassment. She has been stopped from leaving the country on several occasions and has almost no access to the internet. Despite the difficult circumstances and personal hardships, she continues to investigate and stand alongside Turkmen citizens.”