The Sixth Kobani International Film Festival opened in Bochum, Germany. Organizers aim to create stronger ties between Kurdish and global cinema. The festival welcomed guests, filmmakers, and audiences with a message of cultural exchange.
Festival organizer Biter Ali explained the vision. He said the event hopes to act as a bridge between Kurdish and international cinema. He emphasized that when films arrive from 127 countries and foreign directors attend, they discover Kurdish culture in a new way. This direct interaction allows Kurdish stories to reach a wider audience.
This year, more than 1,100 films were submitted from around the world. Entries came from countries such as Iran, Italy, and several Kurdish regions. Out of these, 29 films were shortlisted for screenings during the three-day festival.
Kurdish Yazidi director and jury member Newzad Shekhani shared details of the process. He said the selection ended with 29 films. Jury members then discussed each film carefully and decided on awards such as best feature film, best short film, best animation, best actor, and best director.
The opening night attracted a diverse audience. Artists, directors, intellectuals, and sponsors joined the celebration. They watched the screenings and joined discussions about the importance of cinema for cultural identity.
Festival-goer Salah Musa expressed his pride. He said Kurds entering the film industry is a major step. He added that Kurdish filmmakers are gradually taking ownership of cinema, which he called a delicate art that strongly influences people and society.
The Kobani International Film Festival began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was launched by Komma e.V., a non-profit cultural organization that unites Kurdish and international filmmakers. Despite financial challenges, the festival has grown each year. It has gained recognition and continues to attract international submissions.
The event not only showcases films but also strengthens cultural dialogue. It gives Kurdish filmmakers a platform to share their stories. At the same time, it allows global audiences to discover perspectives from Kurdistan and beyond. With each edition, the festival builds a stronger cultural bridge and raises the profile of Kurdish cinema worldwide.