The Kurdish short film “Bê Amaje” (Without a Sign), written and directed by Hevar Omar, has won the Best Short Film award at the Our Generation International Film Festival in Cairo, Egypt.
Omar said the festival brought together filmmakers from different countries and provided an opportunity to present their work to international audiences. This year’s festival featured 197 films from 15 countries, with “Bê Amaje” receiving the top award in the short film category.
“Bê Amaje” is Omar’s fourth short film. Running for 12 minutes, it was filmed using a mobile phone. Omar said the project demonstrated that filmmaking does not always require advanced equipment, emphasizing that strong ideas and storytelling are equally important to a film’s success.
The film tells the story of an elderly man living in a rapidly changing city where new buildings continue to rise. As construction transforms the urban landscape, tall buildings block sunlight from reaching his home, threatening the flowers he carefully grows.
The man, together with a group of children, including a child with Down syndrome, tries to find a way to bring sunlight into his apartment. Their efforts lead to unexpected events and complications that shape the film’s story.
The film’s original idea was developed by Yahya Yazdanipour, while Hussein Doski plays the lead role. Arian handled the cinematography. The cast also includes three other children alongside an actor with Down syndrome.
The award marks an achievement for Omar and adds to the visibility of Kurdish filmmaking at international festivals. The film’s use of a mobile phone for production also highlights how filmmakers can explore creative ideas with limited resources, while its story brings attention to the relationship between urban development, nature and human connection.
