Kurdish Film Days in Munich: A Cultural Window into Kurdish Pain and Identity
Munich hosts 3rd Kurdish Film Days (May 30-June 2), showcasing Kurdish stories of trauma & resilience. Features Anfal/Ezidi genocide films & new children's program, bridging diaspora culture.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The third edition of Kurdish Film Days opened on May 30 in Munich, Germany, offering audiences from Kurdistan, Germany, and across Europe a cinematic journey into the culture, trauma, and identity of the Kurdish people. The festival will continue until June 2, serving as a cultural bridge between the Kurdish diaspora and European communities.
Speaking to Kurdistan24, the festival's director Mehriban Salih underscored the strategic importance of holding such an event in Munich—a prominent city in Germany known for its international reach.
“Munich is not only a vital and strategic city in Germany, but it also represents a global hub where all nations are given the opportunity to share their culture, language, and heritage,” Salih said. “For us as Kurds, it is crucial to present our stories and artistic expression to international audiences, especially here in Munich.”
A Platform for Kurdish Stories of Pain and Survival
The festival features a diverse range of films carefully selected to shed light on the lived experiences of Kurds, with this year’s program placing particular emphasis on themes of collective trauma and historical injustice.
“We made a conscious effort to include diverse topics that reflect the hardships and stories of our people,” Salih noted. “There are films about the Anfal genocide, the Ezidi genocide.”
Salih emphasized that cinema is not merely a form of entertainment, but a powerful vehicle for truth-telling and cultural preservation, particularly for communities like the Kurds whose narratives are often marginalized or distorted.
Educational Program for Children
For the first time, this year’s Kurdish Film Days includes a dedicated educational segment for children. This initiative was launched in collaboration with the German educational organization Kreisjugendring München-Stadt (KJR).
“We are thrilled to introduce a children’s education program as part of this year’s edition,” Salih said. “It allows young Kurdish children in Munich to see themselves represented on screen and connect with their heritage in meaningful ways.”
Cultural Dialogue Through Cinema
Organized by the Kurdish Community in Munich in collaboration with local cultural organizations, the festival is more than just a cinematic event—it is a cultural initiative aimed at building dialogue and mutual understanding between the Kurdish community and other societies.
Kurdish Film Days in Munich stands as a vital cultural platform that not only promotes Kurdish cinema but also fosters international engagement with the pressing issues, history, and artistic contributions of the Kurdish people.
As Kurdish communities continue to navigate the challenges of diaspora, festivals like this offer a necessary space for visibility, solidarity, and cultural continuity on the global stage.
