Documentary Films & Scripts
The Two Million
Documentary 2017
My first documentary short film, The Two Million, was born from a simple conversation that forever changed me. While in Chicago, I was at a hairdresser getting my nails done when I met a Syrian pilot—the cousin of my hairdresser. That brief conversation shifted my life as an artist and oil painter, inspiring me to become a documentary filmmaker. It made me reflect deeply on my responsibilities beyond painting landscapes. I realized I had a duty as an artist, but I didn’t yet know where to begin.
The pilot, now a refugee who had lost everything in the war, shared his story with quiet sadness. He told me he no longer knew who he was—bombs had taken his home, his work, his family photographs—his past and his future. I couldn’t give him back what was lost, but I could listen. And as an artist, I felt it was my responsibility to share his story, and the stories of so many others like him, with the world.
With the support of a small but dedicated crew in Turkey, we set out to go beyond statistics and show the human face of displacement. We met dentists, doctors, teachers, and other skilled professionals—people whose talents could enrich any community, yet who were struggling to rebuild their lives. We also met children whose laughter had been silenced by the deep emotional, physical, and psychological wounds of war.
My background as an impressionist painter helped me connect with refugees through art, giving them a safe space to express their pain and loss. Those moments were as much about healing as they were about storytelling. The Two Million is my way of honoring their courage, preserving their dignity, and carrying their voices forward. I believe that when we truly see and hear each other, compassion grows—and from compassion, real change becomes possible.
— Victoria Derin Isikman (Baratka)
Parallax Reflection
Filmscript, 2018
Parallax Reflections is more than a screenplay—it is a voice for the voiceless. This story was born during the filming of my second documentary on the Turkish–Syrian border, where I met Syrian women who had fled unimaginable horrors. One young woman, her eyes brimming with tears, shared her truth with me. She told me of the violence she had endured, then pleaded that I not include her story in the documentary—because speaking out could cost her life. I walked away from that interview deeply shaken, carrying the weight of her words in my heart.
In that moment, I knew silence was not an option. I had no choice but to write this film.Hearing her story broke something inside me. Instinctively, I hugged her—not as a filmmaker, but as a fellow human being who could feel her pain. As a responsible artist, I cannot look away from these realities. Parallax Reflections confronts the devastating truth of what so many women refugees face—rape, abuse, and, unthinkably, being sold for less than a pack of cigarettes.These are not distant, abstract tragedies. They are happening right now, to real women, mothers, daughters, and sisters. Through this film, I want to honor their courage, shed light on their suffering, and awaken a collective will to act—to protect them, to help them heal, and to restore their dignity. Because I believe with all my heart that storytelling can move people—and when hearts are moved, the world can change."
— Victoria Derin ISIKMAN (Baratka)
Just Hear Me Out
Filmscript 2017
Just Hear Me OutFilmscript 2017 This script explores the vibrant spectrum of online dating, illuminating the highs and lows of romance in the digital age. It follows a diverse cast of individuals as they navigate the maze of modern relationships, engaging with dating apps and social media to find love. Through a mix of humorous and touching moments, the characters encounter challenges such as miscommunication, mismatched expectations, and the quest to present their true selves. As they embark on various encounters and dates, the narrative unearths themes of vulnerability, self-discovery, and the pursuit of authentic connection amidst a landscape often plagued by superficiality. Through their journeys, the script emphasizes the transformative power of love and friendship that can arise from virtual interactions. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder that meaningful connections can emerge in the most unexpected places, showcasing the beauty and complexity of modern romance.
— Victoria Derin ISIKMAN (Baratka)
Awards
Independent filmmakers who came together to be the voice of untold stories!
We are independent filmmakers who came together to create social impact and be the voice of untold stories to create social justice and awareness.
EyeZone Films makes unforgettable films because we go where few others go, and our focus is rare sensitivity to the humanity of our subjects. Our award-winning short film, The Two Million (2017), offers behind-the-scenes views and emotions of Syrian refugees and their Turkish hosts in very human scenes and conversations after the first wave of mass immigration in 2015. The Five Million (in production in 2019) reveals how refugees and their hosts feel about their progress and how their lives have changed due to their relationship. Parallax Reflection is inspired by true stories of women who are being raped and abused on their way to refugee camps. Our award-winning script, Just Hear Me Out, changes gears; it’s a poignant exposé of online dating.
Our founder, Victoria Derin ISIKMAN, is a writer and award-winning film director.
Victoria recently became the CEO and founder of VFA Creative Events. Her dedication and vision have become a reality, inspiring others to pursue their passions and make a difference in Wheaton, Illinois.
Victoria Derin ISIKMAN is a writer and award-winning film director.
Parallax Reflections, Feature Film Script
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Hollywood International Moving Pictures Film Festival Award Winner for -Second Place Winner Screenplay Short 2018
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Festigious - Monthly Film Competition Award Winner for Honorable Mention: Screenplay 2018
Just Hear Me Out, Feature Film Script
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Festigious Los Angeles - Monthly Film Competition, CA Award Winner for Honorable Mention: Screenplay Feature 2018
The Two Million, Short Film (Documentary, 2017)
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ReelHeart International Film Festival Award Winner for • Best Short Film: 4th Place 2017
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ReelHeart International Film Festival Award Winner for • Honorable Mention 2017