The 2025 theme — “Kurdish Culture and the Mother Tongue” — underscored the festival’s dedication to preserving the Kurdish language and identity through artistic expression. This theme resonated strongly in every aspect of the event: from film screenings and music performances to workshops and cultural exhibitions. Speaking at the opening ceremony at the University of Sulaimani Conference Hall, festival organizers emphasized that cinema is not merely entertainment — it’s a means of resistance, memory, and survival.
One of the most talked-about aspects of the festival was its diversity. From intense political dramas to tender stories of love and identity, each film reflected the global struggles and joys of human life. The Kurdish competition featured several powerful works that explored social change, women’s empowerment, and generational trauma. Meanwhile, the international lineup brought acclaimed films from Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
