"from mother to daughter, vice versa." | short documentary film

Summary

In this heartfelt narrative, Nilaa Bahar reflects on her unconventional life as a People and Culture Director for the IRC in South Sudan, highlighting her dedication to humanitarian work. Despite the sacrifices made, including her absence from her daughter's life, she emphasizes the importance of values like integrity and compassion. The daughter grapples with feelings of abandonment yet recognizes the greater purpose behind her mother's choices. The story weaves together themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of familial bonds, illustrating how life decisions, shaped by destiny and ideals, can lead to profound personal growth.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Nila Bahar works as a People and Culture Director for the IRC in South Sudan, dedicated to humanitarian efforts.
• 💪 She has spent nearly 20 years in various organizations and countries, emphasizing her commitment to helping others.
• 🌟 Nila believes in the importance of personal values, such as integrity and compassion, in guiding one's career choices.
• 🤔 She encourages not to be concerned about others' opinions, focusing instead on what truly matters to oneself.
• 🕊️ Nila describes the profound fulfillment she feels from helping people in crisis situations.
• 💔 The speaker reflects on the emotional challenges of growing up without her mother's presence due to Nila's work.
• 🎉 Significant life events, such as birthdays and graduations, were experienced without the support of her mother.
• 🤝 The speaker expresses understanding of Nila's sacrifices for the family's well-being, acknowledging the bigger picture.
• 📅 Nila sees retirement as an unlikely option for herself, indicating a preference for a life filled with purpose and action.
• ❤️ Despite challenges and distance, the bond between Nila and her daughter remains strong, emphasizing unconditional love.

Q & A

What is Nilaa Bahar's current occupation?

Nilaa Bahar is the People and Culture Director for the humanitarian organization IRC based in Juba, South Sudan.

Why does Nilaa enjoy her job?

She enjoys her job because it focuses on helping people and aligns with her personal values.

How long has Nilaa been working in her field?

Nilaa has been working in her field for almost 20 years, moving from one organization and country to another.

What important lesson did Nilaa learn from her experiences?

Nilaa learned that it's crucial to prioritize what matters to oneself rather than being influenced by others' opinions.

What does Nilaa believe is essential for a fulfilling life?

She believes that spending time and effort for the common good and having integrity and compassion are essential for a fulfilling life.

How does Nilaa feel about her mother's decisions?

Initially, Nilaa felt angry about her mother's decisions to pursue her career, but she later understood the sacrifices her mother made for their well-being.

What challenges did Nilaa face growing up without her mother?

Nilaa faced challenges like feeling incomplete during family gatherings, missing her mother during significant life events, and dealing with feelings of abandonment.

What does Nilaa say about the nature of her mother's decision-making?

Nilaa acknowledges that her mother's decisions were well-considered and made with the best intentions, taking into account pros and cons.

What does Nilaa think about retirement for people in her mother's position?

Nilaa believes that people like her mother, who have dedicated their lives to helping others, may never truly retire and will always find purpose in their work.

Despite their challenges, how does Nilaa feel about her relationship with her mother?

Nilaa emphasizes that regardless of their circumstances and what they've lost, she will always be her mother's daughter and maintains a strong emotional bond with her.