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 community.
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, releasing massive amounts of radiation into the environment and causing irreparable damage to the land and its people.
Yessenbayeva, who was born in Semey in the 1980s, grew up hearing stories from her grandparents and parents about the horrors of nuclear testing. She recalls her grandmother telling her about the “bright light” that would suddenly appear in the sky, followed by a loud explosion and a shockwave that would shake their home. Her grandfather, who worked as a shepherd, would often come home with burns on his skin from the radiation.
But it wasn’t until Yessenbayeva left Kazakhstan to pursue her education and career that she fully understood the gravity of the situation. “Growing up, I didn’t realize that what was happening in my hometown was not normal,” she says. “It wasn’t until I left and learned about the devastating effects of nuclear testing that I truly understood the lifelong impact it has had on my community.”
Yessenbayeva’s personal experience and expertise in international relations and law have made her a leading advocate for the victims of nuclear testing in Kazakhstan. She has dedicated her career to raising awareness about the issue and seeking justice for the affected communities.
In the documentary, Yessenbayeva shares her own family’s story and the stories of other survivors, highlighting the physical, emotional, and social toll that nuclear testing has taken on their lives. She also sheds light on the ongoing struggle for recognition and compensation for the victims and their descendants.
The film also features interviews with scientists, doctors, and activists who have been studying the effects of nuclear testing in the region. They reveal shocking statistics, such as the fact that the Semey region has one of the highest rates of cancer in the world, with many cases linked to radiation exposure.
But amidst the devastation and despair, there is also a message of hope and resilience. Yessenbayeva and other activists are working tirelessly to bring attention to the issue and push for change. In recent years, the Kazakh government has taken steps to acknowledge and address the consequences of nuclear testing, including establishing a national day of remembrance for the victims.
Yessenbayeva believes that the documentary is a crucial step in raising awareness and bringing about meaningful change. “It’s important for the world to know the truth about what happened in Semey and the ongoing struggle of its people,” she says. “We cannot undo the damage that has been done, but we can work towards a better future for the next generation.”
The film has received international acclaim and has been screened at various film festivals, bringing the issue to a global audience. Yessenbayeva hopes that it will continue to spark conversations and inspire action towards achieving justice for the victims of nuclear testing in Kazakhstan.
As the world continues to grapple with the consequences of nuclear testing, “I Want to Live On” serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of these destructive weapons. Yessenbayeva’s unwavering determination and resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of storytelling to bring about change.
