International membership expands opportunities for cooperation, film exchange, and environmental advocacy
The Kurdistan Environmental Film Festival has taken a significant step toward international recognition by joining the global network of environmental film festivals, opening new opportunities for cooperation and cultural exchange with festivals around the world.
Pashtewan Abdullah, president of the festival, described the membership as a major achievement that will strengthen international partnerships and allow the festival to exchange films, participate in joint projects, and benefit from the expertise of long-established environmental film events.
He said the move will enhance the festival’s credibility and international profile while helping to spread messages of environmental protection and sustainable development to wider audiences through cinema.
According to Abdullah, the international network was founded in Barcelona in 1993 and became a global organization in 1998. It currently includes 34 member festivals from countries such as the United States, Argentina, Peru, Spain, Portugal, Ghana, France, and Mexico.
The Kurdistan Environmental Film Festival held its latest edition in Erbil on May 20 and is now preparing for its next event, which is scheduled to take place in Soran this September.
The membership marks an important milestone for the festival as it continues to promote environmental awareness and connect Kurdish filmmakers with international platforms.