The Story of Zak Moradi, the unique story of a Kurdish refugee, will premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh on July 12 in Ireland. The director and star of the film, Zmnako Moradi – also known as Zak Moradi – visited the Kurdistan Region last year to film the documentary.
Moradi is a Kurdish-Irish athlete originally from Eastern Kurdistan (northwestern Iran). Born in 1991 during the Gulf War in a refugee camp in Ramadi, Iraq, Moradi fled his homeland and moved to Ireland with his family in 2002 through a UN refugee program.
Here is a first look at our film
— zak moradi (@ZakmoradiGAA) July 4, 2024
"Home, The Story of Zak Moradi"
Only a few more days until our premiere at the 36th Galway Film Fleadh on Friday 12th July @galwayfilm#FilmFleadh #HomeZakMoradi #GalwayFilmFleadh
Written & Directed - @trevwhelan
The story of @zakmoradi pic.twitter.com/fVKyQS2i83
The Story of Zak Moradi focuses on Moradi’s life journey, from his childhood in a Kurdish refugee camp to his life and career in Ireland.
This film highlights his integration into Irish society, illustrating how Kurdish and Irish cultures have merged in his life.
Read More: Things From the Heart: Zak Moradi’s Kurdish-Irish Reflections
The documentary also follows Moradi’s emotional return to Kurdistan, capturing the beauty of Kurdish culture.
It addresses the severe impact of conflict, with scenes filmed at sites like Halabja and the refugee camps in Arbat offering a comprehensive view of Moradi’s character, history, and family.
“I am so proud of the documentary premiering at the Galway Film Fleadh. Making this documentary meant so much to me on a personal level. Going back to Kurdistan felt so surreal. It made me very emotional to see people in the same position I was in 22 years ago,” Moradi told Kurdistan Chronicle.
“Things have changed, but being back there made me feel sad to see that Kurdish people are still refugees in their own country. I was one of the lucky ones, I moved to Ireland in 2002 at 11 years old and was taken in by the Irish community. This is my home, but I will always be Kurdish by blood.”
