Kurdish cinema is taking center stage as local films gain recognition on the international scene. This winter, the General Directorate of Culture and Art, in collaboration with the Erbil Cinema Directorate, hosted the screening of “So Wait”, a film directed by Jwan Bamerne, at Empire Cinema for the second time. The film features the late Salam Koyi, one of the most influential artists in Kurdish theater, cinema, and drama.
The screening was not only a celebration of the film but also a tribute to Salam Koyi’s legacy. During the event, Koyi’s family was honored with a shield of appreciation for his invaluable contributions to Kurdish culture over the course of five decades. From the mid-1970s until his passing, Koyi played a pivotal role in the development of theater and cinema in the region, passionately advocating for the arts and inspiring generations of artists.
The Erbil Artistic Cinema Directorate has made it a tradition to showcase films for free every Wednesday throughout the year. To date, over 60 short and feature films have been screened as part of this initiative. In addition to the screenings, each week an artistic or cultural figure is honored for their contributions to the arts, receiving recognition in the form of an award presented with respect and admiration.
Shakhawan Mustafa, the Artistic Director of Erbil Cinema, reflected on Koyi’s remarkable impact on Kurdish theater. He emphasized that many might not be familiar with the artist’s extensive work in the black-and-white era, during what is often referred to as the golden age of theater. Koyi’s performances not only carried powerful messages for the Peshmerga fighters in the mountains but also sparked passion among theatergoers. Through his monologues, he filled the absence of women in many artistic works, bringing new beauty and depth to Kurdish art.
As Kurdish cinema continues to rise in prominence, events like these highlight the ongoing dedication to preserving and celebrating the region’s cultural heritage on the global stage.