ARTE.TV features ‘Don’t Give Up!’

We are delighted to share SCVN’s second feature with ARTE.TV, a short documentary about our upcoming graphic novel Gib nicht auf! (Don’t Give Up!) including interviews with graphic artist Birgit Weyhe and Yezidi community liaison Dr. Leyla Ferman in German and French.

Birgit working in her studio in Hamburg. Screenshot from ARTE.TV (2026).

The graphic novel Gib nicht auf! Wie eine junge Ezidin den Völkermord überlebt (Don’t Give Up! How a young Yezidi survived the genocide) shares the story of Jilan, a Yezidi woman sold into slavery at a young age after her homeland of Northern Iraq was attacked by the Islamic State in 2014. This is the first time Jilan has publicly shared her story of captivity and eventual escape to Germany. The first publication of her story is in German and will be published in September 2026 with avant-verlag.

The short documentary by ARTE.TV was filmed in Hamburg, Germany, and highlights the ongoing Yezidi genocide through interviews with Birgit and Leyla, while showcasing the art and story shared in the graphic novel.

Leyla, Jilan and Birgit at the Millerntor Stadium, where two elm trees were planted to remember and honor the Yezidi genocide. Left: Screenshot from ARTE.TV (2026). Right: Panel from Don’t Give Up! by Birgit Weyhe (2026).

The ARTE.TV channel showcases art, culture and history through documentaries, feature films, investigative reports, and performing arts/concerts. The short feature is available to view online for free in both German and French until February 9, 2027.

Thank you to Jilan for sharing her story, Birgit and Leyla for their thoughtful interviews, and to ARTE.TV for making the special feature.

Pages from Don’t Give Up! by Birgit Weyhe (2026).