The documentary highlights humanitarian mine clearance efforts in Kurdistan and earns Best Documentary recognition at a global film festival.
The Kurdish documentary film “Hoshyar”, directed by Zulfiqar Mutayri, has won the Best Documentary Film award at the International Festival of Digital Cinema and Short Film in Morocco, marking another achievement for Kurdish cinema on the international stage.
The film competed alongside 21 productions from 16 countries at the two-day festival, which focuses on digital filmmaking, short films, and independent cinema. It is considered one of the notable international platforms supporting emerging filmmakers and innovative visual storytelling.
Director Zulfiqar Mutayri said the film was written by Mustafa Hassan, with cinematography by Imad Mustafa and Ali Nazim. The production team also included Karrar Ahmad for sound, Hazim Muhammad for artistic direction, Muntasir for graphic design, and Shwan Zangana for behind-the-scenes documentation.
“Hoshyar” tells the story of Hoshyar Ali, a humanitarian figure who has dedicated his life to clearing landmines across the Kurdistan Region. Through his work, dangerous areas are transformed into safe land for communities, agriculture, and daily life. The film presents him as a real-life example of courage and sacrifice, highlighting individuals who work quietly but powerfully to protect others.
Mutayri explained that the documentary blends cinematic storytelling with real-life footage, offering a deeper portrayal of resilience and peacebuilding. He noted that Hoshyar Ali’s efforts demonstrate how ordinary individuals can become symbols of hope by saving lives and restoring land affected by conflict.
The award reflects growing recognition of Kurdish documentary filmmaking and its ability to tell human-centered stories that resonate with international audiences.
