Preparations are underway for the fifth edition of the Sulaymaniyah International Film Festival, scheduled to take place this October. The festival has become a shining platform for showcasing both local and international cinema, celebrating the art of storytelling through film.
Since its inception in 2016, when films from 24 countries were first screened—including Kurdish short and feature films—the festival has grown significantly. To date, approximately 1,300 films have been submitted across multiple categories, ranging from feature films and documentaries to short films, youth, and children’s productions from Southern Kurdistan.
This year, submissions must meet specific criteria: films should be produced in 2024 or 2025, must not have been screened previously, and need to have English subtitles. Short films are limited to 25 minutes, documentaries to 48 minutes, and works cannot have been shared on social media before the festival.
The festival’s primary committee is currently reviewing the submissions and selecting films eligible for competition—a process that takes about a month.
Cinema culture in Kurdistan has seen a remarkable revival in recent years. Once a rare activity, watching films in theaters is now a popular pastime across cities in the region. Local productions are receiving warmer receptions than ever before, reflecting a renewed pride in Kurdish storytelling and creativity.
As the Sulaymaniyah International Film Festival prepares for its next chapter, it promises to bring together diverse voices and narratives that celebrate the rich tapestry of Kurdish and global cinema.
