Sulaymaniyah is set to host the fifth edition of its International Film Festival under the theme “Kurdish Culture and the Mother Tongue.” The weeklong festival will showcase 150 films and honor artists, scholars, and filmmakers for their contributions to Kurdish cinema.
The festival opens at the University of Sulaymaniyah Conference Hall, where officials, cultural figures, and international guests will attend. A live performance by the Baiz Music Band will kick off the event, followed by a tribute segment recognizing key contributors to Kurdish culture and cinema. Honorary awards this year will carry the names of influential figures. The Pride Award will be presented to artist Bijan Kamkar, the Flag Award to actress Zhian Ibrahim Hayat, the Ahmad Kaya Award to scholar Ismail Beşikçi, and the Taha Karimi Award to Mam Bola.
The opening film, The Yellowing of Walnut Leaves, directed, written, and produced by Mohammed Ali Konar, will mark the official start of the cinematic program. Among the 150 films, 95 will compete across short films, documentaries, feature films, and youth cinema. The remaining 55 films will screen outside the competition at City Cinema halls, offering audiences both local and international storytelling.
In addition to screenings, the festival will host five discussion panels at the University of Sulaymaniyah Presidency Hall. Academics, filmmakers, and critics will examine the state of Kurdish cinema, challenges facing independent productions, and the cultural importance of visual storytelling.
Since its inception, the Sulaymaniyah International Film Festival has become a cornerstone of Kurdish cultural life. By emphasizing Kurdish language, heritage, and artistic freedom, the festival strengthens intercultural dialogue and positions the Kurdistan Region as a hub for creative expression.