From October 17 to 19, the city of Vancouver is hosting the second Kurdish Film Festival, featuring dozens of films that celebrate Kurdish culture, history, and storytelling.
This year’s festival is held under the theme “Mother Tongue,” highlighting the role of women in narrating Kurdish history and sharing Kurdistan’s rich cultural heritage with audiences around the world. Participating films include feature films, short films, and documentaries that explore diverse aspects of Kurdish life and society.
Organized by the Kurdish-Canadian Cultural Association, the festival has garnered support from high-ranking Canadian officials, including Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada; David Eby, Premier of British Columbia; and Ken Sim, Mayor of Vancouver. Organizers say this backing represents an official recognition of Kurdish culture in Canada.
Festival organizers hope the event will serve as a bridge, introducing Kurdish cinema and stories to Canadian and international audiences. Participating films compete for four main awards: Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Jury Award, and Audience Award. The jury is composed of experienced Canadian and Kurdish filmmakers.
Through its screenings and awards, the festival aims to bring Kurdish culture, history, and human experiences to the forefront, using cinema as a powerful tool for cultural exchange and understanding.
