We are excited to present a thoughtfully curated selection of feature films, short films, and documentaries at the Vancouver Kurdish Film Festival (VKFF) 2024. This year’s program honors the rich and dynamic storytelling traditions of Kurdish cinema, showcasing works from renowned filmmakers.
Each film offers distinct perspectives on Kurdish culture, identity, and the common experiences of struggle and joy in everyday life. Our lineup brings together a range of stories from all regions of Kurdistan—Rojhelat, Rojava, Bakur, and Başȗr—as well as from the Kurdish diaspora, creating a cinematic experience that resonates with both local and global audiences.
Feature Selection
NEIGHBOURS
BY MANO KHALIL
A little village on the Syrian-Turkish border, a six-year old Kurdish boy experiences his first year in an Arab school and sees how his little world is radically changed by absurd nationalism. With a fine sense of humor and satire, the film tells of a childhood, which, between dictatorship and dark drama, also has its light moments. How much friendship, love and solidarity are possible in times of repression and despotism?
Director’s Biography
Born in Rojava, Syria, Mano Khalil is a Kurdish director and screenwriter. He studied directing in Czechoslovakia, where he earned an MBA in Film and TV Directing. In 1996, he relocated to Switzerland and began his filmmaking career, directing several short films. Khalil gained recognition with numerous award-winning documentaries, including Triumph of Iron and The Place Where God Sleeps. In 2003, he directed his debut feature film Colorful Dreams, followed by notable works such as The Beekeeper, Die Schwalbe, and Hafis & Mara. His most recent film is Neighbours.
- Screening time and date: Sat, Oct 12 (6:30pm)
- Location: SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts
THE EXAM
BY SHAWKAT AMIN KORKI
Rojin is a young Kurdish-Iraqi woman about to take the university entrance exam. Rojin’s unhappily married older sister Shilan decides to help her pass at any cost, hoping to give her a more emancipated life. Thus, the sisters inevitably become entangled in a huge network of corruption that connects all parts of society.
Director’s Biography
Shawkat Amin Korki was born in 1973. Originally from Zakho, Iraqi Kurdistan, he and his family fled from Iraqi military oppression to Iran in 1975, where they lived in exile for 25 years. Korki studied Cinema in Iran and gained international recognition in 2006 with the completion of his debut feature film in Iraqi Kurdistan, CROSSING THE DUST, which premiered at Rotterdam International Film Festival.
- Screening time and date: Sun, Oct 13 (8:45pm)
- Location: SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts
THE LIFE OF A SNOWFLAKE
BY KAZIM ÖZ
Director’s Biography
Kazim Öz is a Kurdish filmmaker known for his award-winning films like “Ax (The Land)” and “Dûr (The Far)”. His work explores social issues and has been recognized internationally. Beyond directing, he’s also a writer and educator, sharing his knowledge and experience with aspiring filmmakers. Öz’s contributions to Kurdish cinema have been significant, giving voice to the community and raising awareness of their experiences.
- Screening time and date: Sun, Oct 13 (12:00pm)
- Location: SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts
I HAD SEEDED POMEGRANATE FOR YOU
BY JAMIL MAFAKHERI
Director’s Biography
- Screening time and date: Sun, Oct 13 (5:00pm)
- Location: SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts
Short Selection
SEVEN SYMPHONIES OF ZAGROS
BY PARVIZ ROSTAMI
Rojhelat, 2022
“Seven Symphonies of Zagros” narrates the philosophy of seven musical Maqams of the oldest wind instrument (Shamshal) in the life of the people of Zagros. The documentary is narrated using the monologue of an old man who spent 65 years of his life playing the Shamshal (a Kurdish wind instrument). The story of the film is character-oriented and the philosophy of the seven maqams in his life is implied.
Director’s Biography
Parviz Rostami, born in 1977 in Oraman Takht, was very interested in painting since his childhood. During the Iran-Iraq war, he had to migrate from Oraman to Sarvabad town and continue his education There. After high school, he studied painting at university and graduated in the same field. He entered The field of film-making in 2001 by making his first film called “My Shoes”. In 2015, he succeeded in Receiving a first-class degree in directing from the Iranian Cinema Deputy Organization. So far, he has Successfully made 18 short films, seven semi-feature films and three TV series.
- Screening time and date: Sun, Oct 13 (Short Selection Block: 2:30 pm)
- Location: SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts
THE ADDRESS
BY ARAM DILDAR
Bakur, 2023
A big surprise awaits the teacher who is appointed to his hometown, which he knows like the back of his hand; the village he was assigned is not in the maps or any records.
Director’s Biography
Aram was born in 1990. He acted in plays unprofessionally in several theatre companies in Batman where he lived until he finished his highscool education. In 2008 he got into Marmara University the branch of radio cinema and television and he started to live in İstanbul. He took the leading role in the feature film Press, which started shooting in the same year. He won the Behlül Dal Special Jury Award from the 47th Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival when Press movie released in 2010. In 2011, he received the Most Promising New Actor Award at the 22nd Ankara Film Festival. In 2012, he received the Best Actor Award from the 6th Sinepark Film Festival with his short film Musa. He worked in various positions in short or feature films and TV shows. He directed 5 short films. He continues his career as an actor and director.
- Screening time and date: Sun, Oct 13 (Short Selection Block: 2:30 pm)
- Location: SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts
NIETZSCHEAN SUICIDE
BY PAYAM KURDISTANI
Rojhelat, 2023
“Nietzschean Suicide” tells the story of pharmacist Dr Samuel, who lives with his pregnant wife in a sad, war-torn city and sells suicide drugs in his strange pharmacy. When the city’s only midwife, Mrs Sissi, comes in one day with her “suicide prescription,” he realizes he must delay her death until after his child is born. His initial plan backfires on him but he eventually invents an unconventional suicide method that keeps Sissi alive long enough to deliver his child. The method quickly proves popular with his customers and can revive their will to live.
Director’s Biography
- Screening time and date: Sun, Oct 13 (Short Selection Block: 2:30 pm)
- Location: SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts
THINGS UNHEARD OF
BY Ramazan Kılıç
Bakur, 2022
A little Kurdish girl tries to put a smile back on her grandmother’s face after the disappearance of her television, her only window in to the world.
Director’s Biography
Ramazan Kılıç who was born in Ağrı, East of Turkey 1993 studied Cinema-Tv, and Literature at İstanbul Şehir University in Istanbul. His latest film “The School Bus” competed in many prestigious film festivals. Including, Clermont-Ferrand, Leeds, PÖFF Shorts, Odense, Palm Springs, Indy Shorts, and Bogoshorts. And, he was involved as a producer for The Moisture which will have its World Premiere at 79th Venice International Film Festival in the Orizzonti Short Film Competition. His latest film Things Unheard Of won the Special Jury Mention award at Clermont-Ferrand 2023.
Screening time and date: Sun, Oct 13 (Short Selection Block: 2:30 pm)
- Location: SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts
AYSHA
BY CENGIZ AKAYGÜN
Germany-Rojava, 2021
AYSHA (10) a small, rebellious girl wearing a full-body veil, and her SISTER(11) are put to a religious test in a backyard in Rojava (Syria) by a covered WOMAN. However, the stronghead Aysha is struggling with identity and secrets, and takes a stand.
Director’s Biography
- Screening time and date: Sun, Oct 13 (Short Selection Block: 2:30 pm)
- Location: SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts
GRACE
BY WRYA
Canada, 2022
A young boy with a disability steps up to care for his mother after she is diagnosed with COVID-19.
Director’s Biography
- Screening time and date: Sun, Oct 13 (Short Selection Block: 2:30 pm)
- Location: SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts
Documentary
DAUGHTERS OF THE SUN
BY REBER DOSKY
Netherlands, 2022
A group of Yezidi women and girls who were used as sex slaves by Islamic State, now have to rebuild their lives. With each other’s love and support, and inspired by wise theatre-maker Hussein, they find the strength to look forward again.
Director’s Biography
- Screening time and date: Sun, Oct 13 (6:50pm)
- Location: SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts
