The sixth edition of the Kurdistan Independent International Film Festival was held at the Youth Centre in Erbil, bringing together filmmakers, artists, producers, actors, writers and creative professionals from Kurdistan and beyond.
Held over five days, the festival featured 19 diverse films, along with the official opening ceremony, special programmes and presentations, professional gatherings, networking sessions and cultural activities.
Hazhar Omar, the festival’s head of media, said the event was more than a series of film screenings. It provided a platform for filmmakers and other creative professionals to exchange experiences, develop connections and share new ideas and projects.
Omar said some of the selected films will be presented in the United States in the future through Picturz and M Entertainment. He said this could help expand their audience and provide greater opportunities for Kurdish cinematic works to reach international markets.
He added that the festival welcomed not only participating filmmakers but also special guests who did not have projects in the festival programme, allowing them to take part in its activities and professional gatherings.
According to Omar, the festival has also created opportunities for filmmakers to connect with international figures and institutions in cinema and the arts. These connections could eventually support film distribution, project marketing and access to international platforms. He said they could also help filmmakers participate in the Academy Awards process and meet the eligibility requirements for the global awards.
“Our aim with this festival is not merely to present a cinematic programme, but to create an open artistic and cinematic environment that can connect Kurdistan’s filmmakers and artists to a broad professional and global network,” Omar said.
The sixth Kurdistan Independent International Film Festival featured 19 films and continued for five days in Erbil.
