PHOTOS: Two filmmakers from Kurdistan invited to Norway film festival
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – Two Kurdish filmmakers in the Kurdistan Region were recently invited to sit in the jury for an international film festival in Lillehammer, Norway.
Shamal Sabri, artistic director at Duhok International Film Festival (IFF), and Duhok IFF program director Bina Qeredaxi participated in the 31st Amandus – Lillehammer International Student Film Festival from March 21-24.
The Director of Amandus, Linda Steinhoff, said her organization was “delighted” to have both Kurdish filmmakers, as well as Chinese cultural activist Li Dan, as members of the jury.
“The competition Amandus Open contains amateur films from all over the world and has no limits for what origin in the world the film comes from,” she said, adding that “having our Kurdish friends as jury members confirm the openness the festival wishes to have.”
The Amandus international student film festival is held annually and is considered the largest and most important event and competition for young filmmakers and students in the Nordic region.
Sabri highlighted the importance of the Duhok IFF’s participation in the international festival, noting the event provided an opportunity “for new talents” and “up and coming filmmakers” to share their work.
“Duhok IFF and Amandus understand themselves as a forge for new talents and meeting place for up and coming filmmakers; therefore, a collaboration between us is important and natural,” he stated.
Qeredaxi, meanwhile, said the ceremony provided young people a chance to make a difference in the world through their art.
“It is our duty as cultural activists and artists to stand against the corrupted politics that are tearing us apart and connect the world through culture, to make it a better place than we found it,” she said.
According to a statement by the Duhok IFF, the objective at this year’s festival was “to build a bridge between Kurdish film production and Norwegian filmmaking.”
“Unique film experiences can be made, and people can share their thirst for discoveries and a passion for cinema in all its diversity,” it added.