On June 26, 2025, on the occasion of Crimean Tatar Flag Day, the Embassy of Ukraine in India hosted the Indian premiere of the historical feature film Haytarma at the Alliance Française de Delhi — a powerful cinematic portrayal of the 1944 forceful deportation of the Crimean Tatar people by the Soviet regime.
Before the screening, we shared a special video message from Ms. Olha Kuryshko, Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. She spoke about the blue-and-yellow Tamga, a sacred national symbol of the Crimean Tatars, and reflected on the continuing suffering of Crimea’s indigenous people under Russia’s illegal occupation since 2014.
Following the screening, the audience watched an exclusive message from Akhtem Seitablaiev, the film’s director and lead actor — and today, a serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, defending our country against Russian aggression.
The program concluded with a compelling discussion featuring:
Ambassador Sena Latif shared personal stories from her family history and spoke about the Crimean Tatar community in Romania, offering a powerful perspective on memory, resilience, and belonging. Her contribution added an invaluable and emotional layer to the event.
Notably, June 26 is also the National Flag Day of Romania — a symbolic coincidence that deepened the meaning of the occasion. We warmly congratulated our Romanian colleagues and friends and used the opportunity to acknowledge and thank Romania for its unwavering support to Ukraine, including in defending the rights and dignity of Crimean Tatars.
The film Haytarma (“Return”) tells the tragic story of the forced deportation of nearly 200,000 Crimean Tatars in 1944. Thousands died during the operation and in exile. During Ukraine’s independence, many Crimean Tatars were finally able to return home — only to face renewed oppression after the illegal Russian occupation of Crimea in 2014.
The title “Haytarma” carries deep cultural significance — it is also the name of a traditional Crimean Tatar folk dance, symbolizing return, resilience, and continuity.
The core message of the evening was clear and firm - #CrimeaIsUkraine! And the voice of the Crimean Tatar people must be heard — and respected.
We express our sincere gratitude to everyone who helped us make this event possible, and to all the partners and organizations who supported this initiative — and especially to Akhtem Seytablayev for his artistic courage and personal contribution.
Our heartfelt thanks go to the Mission of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Crimea Platform, Crimean House, Crimea Daily, TV channel ATR, Alliance Française de Delhi.