By focusing on Kurdish culture and mother-tongue, the festival fosters films that speak from and to the Kurdish experience, not just domestically but internationally. With a wide international competition and many submissions, it offers local filmmakers access to a broader audience and professional network. The growth of this festival signals the increasing recognition of Kurdish cinema and regional arts within the Middle East film ecology.
In October 2025, the vibrant city of Sulaymaniyah (Slemani), nestled among the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan, transformed into a global meeting point for filmmakers, artists, and dreamers. The 5th Sulaymaniyah International Film Festival (SIFF) once again illuminated the city with the glow of cinema, celebrating not just films but also language, heritage, and identity. What began a few years ago as an ambitious regional festival has now grown into one of the most respected cultural events in the Middle East, attracting both established directors and emerging talents from across the world.
