New York City is gearing up for a unique cultural experience, as the New York Kurdish Film Festival announces its much-anticipated 7th edition, from October 20 to 26, 2023. This extraordinary event will showcase the cinematic achievements of Kurdistan and its global diaspora, spotlighting 17 exceptional films created by talented filmmakers who share the rich tapestry of Kurdish heritage.
Marking an essential moment in history, this year’s festival has been strategically timed to honor the enduring spirit of Kurdish resistance, commemorating 100 years since the Lausanne Treaty. The treaty resulted in the division of Kurdistan among Turkey and the mandates of Great Britain and France, which later became the countries of Iraq and Syria, respectively. This remarkable gathering aims to spread awareness and celebrate the indomitable will of the Kurdish people, who have resisted oppression despite historical injustices.
The film festival will be held at the historic Village East by Angelika theater in the East Village of Manhattan in New York City. Designed in the Moorish Revival style, the theater was built in 1926. Since 1991, it has been operated by the Angelika Film Center as a seven-screen multiplex. The theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
A journey through Kurdish culture and history
Spanning a wide spectrum of genres, the festival will feature documentaries, dramas, and short films; live Kurdish music; a program for children; and a govend – traditional Kurdish circle dancing – performance. A Kurdish-American novelist will also give a talk on his new book, and attendees will be treated to Kurdish cuisine. With a dedicated focus on unearthing the essence of Kurdish culture, history, and the ongoing struggle for freedom, this event promises to be a transformative cultural journey.
The opening night of the festival will feature the screening of the poignant film The Pasha, My Mother, and I. This evocative creation by filmmaker Nevine Gerits pays homage to her mother, Pervin, who hailed from a noble Kurdish family and dedicated her life to tireless activism in pursuit of Kurdish freedom. Through the film, viewers will gain intimate insights into Pervin’s journey, making it a deeply personal and historically significant experience. Nevine will also join the festival for an audience discussion.
Beyond the opening film, the festival boasts an array of compelling cinematic works. Filmmakers hailing from Western Kurdistan (northern Syria), like Rêger Azad Kaya, Sevinaz Evdike, and Manal Masri will present the films When the Seedlings Grow, The Wedding Parade, and Touching Freedom, respectively. From Northern Kurdistan (southeastern Turkey), a powerful documentary titled Tearing Walls Down sheds light on several imprisoned Kurdish women politicians, while The Wheel by Metîn Ewr memorializes an episode of Kurdish resistance in the early 1990s. Eastern Kurdistan (northwestern Iran) will also contribute films, including Hope by Mozghan Kavousi, an accomplished activist venturing into directing for the first time. Meanwhile, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), also known as Southern Kurdistan, will be well represented with films like The Hole in the Wall by Bilal Korkut, offering an insightful exploration of different facets of Kurdish life. Other filmmakers from the KRI have been invited to travel to New York City to participate in person.
Several directors will offer question-and-answer sessions after their films are shown, either live or via Zoom.
The film festival selection committee and volunteers represent the entire Kurdish diaspora, as well as American friends of the Kurdish community. The New York Kurdish Cultural Center, the parent organization of the film festival, worked with the U.S. Consulate General Erbil for cultural visa processing for official invitees.
“I am inspired by the dedication and efforts of both the New York Kurdish Cultural Center and the Film Committee. Their commitment to curate and present this extraordinary display of Kurdish artistry in one of the world's artistic hubs, New York City, is remarkable. This endeavor transcends mere event organization; it is a labor of love that introduces the rich tapestry of Kurdish culture to a diverse and global audience,” said Yuksel Serindag, Board Member of the New York Kurdish Cultural Center.
Founder’s vision
The founder of the New York Kurdish Film Festival, Xeyal Qertel, a Kurdish woman from Turkey, expressed her vision for the festival, stating, “Our goal is to ensure audiences in New York City are exposed to Kurdish film, culture, and the resilience of our people. Through the power of cinema and cultural events, we hope to shed light on the beauty of the Kurdish identity and the struggle to preserve it.”
As the curtain rises on the 7th New York Kurdish Film Festival, the city's cultural landscape will expand significantly. This week-long celebration of Kurdish heritage and artistic innovation will be an inclusive event, open to all who are eager to witness the kaleidoscope of Kurdish culture.
For those seeking further information, the festival's official website is https://nykcc.org. The New York Kurdish Cultural Center hosts cultural events and educational programming throughout the year. It is an officially registered non-profit organization and has an all-volunteer staff. For sponsorship opportunities or additional inquiries, please contact: [email protected].
Myles B. Caggins III is a retired U.S. Army colonel, founded Words Warriors LLC for language services in the Kurdistan Region. He's a senior fellow at the New Lines Institute, specializing in public information warfare and U.S.-Kurdish relations, also serving on nonprofit boards.
