The documentary “I Want to Live On: The Untold Stories of the Polygon” sheds light on the devastating effects of nuclear testing in Kazakhstan’s Semey region. As a third-generation survivor born in Semey and an international relations legal expert based in New York, Togzhan Yessenbayeva is all too familiar with the profound impact that nuclear testing has had on her hometown.
The Polygon, also known as the Semipalatinsk Test Site, was the primary location for Soviet nuclear testing from 1949 to 1989. Over 450 nuclear tests were conducted in this area, releasing large amounts of radioactive material into the environment. The consequences of these tests are still being felt today, decades later.
Yessenbayeva, who was born in Semey in the 1980s, grew up hearing stories from her grandparents and parents about the devastating effects of the nuclear tests. She recalls how her grandmother would often talk about the “mysterious diseases” that plagued their community and the high number of stillborn babies. As she grew older, Yessenbayeva began to understand the gravity of the situation and the long-term impact it has had on her hometown.
The documentary, directed by Kazakh filmmaker Saule Satayeva, follows the lives of several individuals who have been affected by the nuclear tests. It tells the stories of survivors, their families, and the ongoing struggle for recognition and compensation. Through powerful interviews and archival footage, the film paints a vivid picture of the physical, emotional, and social toll that the nuclear tests have taken on the people of Semey.
Yessenbayeva, who also appears in the documentary, shares her personal experience of growing up in Semey and the challenges she faced as a result of the nuclear testing. She speaks of the discrimination and stigma that she and other survivors have faced, as well as the lack of support and resources from the government.
But despite the hardships, Yessenbayeva remains determined to bring attention to the issue and advocate for the rights of the affected communities. As an international relations legal expert, she has been working tirelessly to raise awareness about the long-term consequences of nuclear testing and to hold the responsible parties accountable.
The documentary also highlights the efforts of organizations such as the Nevada-Semey International Anti-Nuclear Movement and the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law, who have been fighting for justice for the victims of the nuclear tests. These organizations have been instrumental in bringing the issue to the attention of the international community and pushing for recognition and compensation for the affected communities.
The impact of the nuclear tests in Semey goes beyond the physical and environmental damage. It has also had a profound effect on the mental health and well-being of the survivors and their families. Many have suffered from anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues as a result of the trauma they have endured. The documentary sheds light on this often overlooked aspect of the aftermath of nuclear testing.
Yessenbayeva hopes that the documentary will not only raise awareness about the ongoing struggles of the people of Semey but also serve as a call to action for the international community. She believes that it is crucial for the world to understand the devastating consequences of nuclear testing and to take steps to prevent it from happening again.
The documentary has already received critical acclaim and has been screened at several international film festivals. It has also sparked important discussions about the need for justice and compensation for the victims of nuclear testing.
As a third-generation survivor, Yessenbayeva’s determination to bring attention to the issue and fight for the rights of her community is truly inspiring. Her story, along with those of other survivors, serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
“I Want to Live On: The Untold Stories of the Polygon” is a powerful and moving documentary that exposes the lifelong impacts of nuclear testing in Kazakhstan’s Semey region. It is a testament to the courage and perseverance of the survivors and a call to action for the international community to take responsibility and ensure that such tragedies are never repeated.
