New York is hosting the 10th edition of the Kurdish Film Festival, with 30 films selected from 300 submissions received from Kurdistan and the Kurdish diaspora. The selected films will be screened for audiences over six days.
Khayal Qartal, founder of the Kurdish Film Festival in New York, said the event is closely connected to Kurdish identity and provides a platform for Kurdish filmmakers to share their stories with international audiences.
“The reason for holding this festival is directly connected to Kurdish identity. We come from the cradle of civilisation in the Middle East, and as one of the oldest nations of that region, we have many stories to tell,” Qartal said.
In addition to film screenings, the festival features Kurdish dance, traditional clothing, songs, and music. Participants have travelled to New York from Kurdistan and different countries to attend the event and support Kurdish cinema.
Payma, a festival participant who travelled from Australia, said supporting Kurdish cinema can help introduce Kurdish culture and identity to international audiences.
“I have come to New York from Australia to support Kurdish films. I believe that supporting Kurdish cinema is a very good way to familiarise the world with our nation and introduce it,” Payma said.
Tommy, an American participant who attended the festival wearing Kurdish clothing, said his travels had given him an opportunity to become familiar with Kurdish culture and people.
“During my travels I became somewhat acquainted with the Kurds, and in the summer I spent three to four months with them. I am very happy to be here, because the Kurds are very dear to me,” Tommy said.
The festival has also provided an opportunity for Kurdish filmmakers to reach wider audiences. Madiha Ibrahim, a Kurdish Yazidi director, said her participation allowed more people around the world to watch her film.
“Because I participated in this festival, many people from around the world have become viewers of my film,” Ibrahim said.
The Kurdish Film Festival in New York is held annually by Kurdish organisers and provides a platform for Kurdish filmmakers and artists to present films addressing Kurdish culture, history, issues, and human experiences to audiences outside Kurdistan.
