ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Iraqi capital Baghdad is reclaiming its place on the international cultural stage through a film festival that featured nearly 70 films, bringing together tens of artists, directors, and cinema enthusiasts from across Iraq and the Arab world. Kurdish artists also made a notable impact.
The Baghdad International Film Festival’s second edition, which kicked off on Monday, was organized by the Iraqi Artists Syndicate in cooperation with the ministries of culture.
Organized by the Iraqi Artists Syndicate in collaboration with Baghdad’s culture ministry, the festival “was generously sponsored by Prime Minister Mohammad Shia’ al-Sudani,” said the head of the Syndicate Jabbar Joudi to Rudaw.
The event received 423 submissions, with 67 films selected across various genres, including feature-length films, shorts, documentaries, and animations.
“There are many initiatives that distinguish this edition” of the festival, Joudi noted, elaborating that foremost among them is “the screening of Iraqi and Arab feature films for the first time,” which “gives the Baghdad film festival an international classification and reserves its prominent position” among major global film events.
In addition to screenings, the Festival also features “numerous workshops” which focus on the film industry and the release of over 15 publications by the Iraqi Artists Syndicate, Joudi added.
For his part, Producer and Director of the Baghdad International Film Festival, Hikmat al-Baydhani, told Rudaw, “In its second edition, the festival will honor 18 prominent Iraqi actresses and directors.”
For his part, Hikmat al-Baydhani, Producer and Director of the Baghdad International Film Festival, told Rudaw, “In its second edition the Festival will honor 18 prominent Iraqi actresses and directors in recognition of their contributions to cinema.”
Asked about the Kurdish representation at the event, Baydhani said, “We have invited Kurdish film artists from Erbil, Sulaimani and Duhok,” emphasizing that they will be welcomed alongside “150 artists from across the Arab world.” He added that some of these artists will serve on various judging committees, alongside Iraqi artists and critics.
Esteemed Iraqi actress Shada Amin expressed her pride in the positive image of Iraq the Festival promotes, highlighting its rich cultural and artistic heritage.
"For me, Baghdad represents all of Iraq," she said, adding that her country is worthy of dedication. She underlined the importance of "showing this side of Iraq, while others are trying to portray a completely different picture." She further praised the festival for “honoring Iraqi women.”
“This is the true image of Iraq.”
The event further highlights Arab cinematic talent, with delegations from Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Tunisia participating.
Speaking to Rudaw, acclaimed Tunisian actress Sabrine Ghannoudi emphasized that the Festival adds immense value to Iraq itself and its youth as “it spreads a culture of film-watching and arts.” Ghannoudi appears in two of the films featured in this year’s selection.
The Festival is also set to host several renowned figures from the Arab film industry, including Egyptian actresses Bushra and Dalia El Behairy as well as Director Khaled Youssef. From Syria, prominent actor Ghassan Massoud is also set to attend.
Jordanian actress Nariman Abdul Kareem described the event as a “great art gathering” and an opportunity for cultural exchange and connection. “It is wonderful and rich - artistically, intellectually, and socially,” she said.
A longtime admirer of Iraqi artistic work, Abdul Kareem told Rudaw, “For me, this festival is an irreplaceable opportunity, and I am very happy to be here.”
The festival, which runs until Sunday is set to be a key event in Baghdad's cultural calendar. Days later, the Baghdad International Theater Festival is scheduled to follow.
Maad Fayad contributed to this report.