The 13th Kurdish Film Festival Berlin kicked off on a high note on Friday evening, promising an engaging week ahead. Speaking to Medya News, Festival Coordinator Charlotte Bock shared insights into this year’s event, revealing a focus on the Kurdish-populated regions in western Iran, known as Rojhilat, and a special dedication to “Jin Jîyan Azad”.
“The Kurdish Film Festival Berlin has done a four-year focus series which concludes this year. In the past years, we did Rojava, Bakur and Başur [West, North and South, referring to the Kurdish populated regions in Syria, Turkey and Iraq respectively]”, Bock said, adding that this year’s focus will be on the Kurdish-populated regions in western Iran, known as Rojhilat.
Bock emphasised the festival’s mission to showcase the diversity of Kurdish cinema beyond the protests often seen in the news. The festival aims to delve deep into Kurdish culture and Rojhilat’s traditions, offering a more profound understanding of the region’s significance.
One of this year’s central focuses is “Jin Jîyan Azadî” (Woman Life Freedom), a movement that has gained prominence following the tragic death of Kurdish woman Jîna Mahsa Amini at the hands of Iran’s morality police in September 2022. The festival aims to support women through various initiatives, including a special exhibition at the Babylon cinema, where author Zilan Sarah Kößler will present her children’s book, “Jina”, in honour of Jîna Mahsa Amini.
The book’s purpose is to share Jîna’s story and educate children about Jin Jîyan Azadî, with plans to eventually introduce it into schools. Bock expressed excitement about this addition to the festival, highlighting its potential to contribute to the broader understanding and commemoration of this important movement.
This year’s festival also introduces several new elements, including the introduction of awards. Bock said that the week would be filled with remarkable films and enriching experiences, celebrating Kurdish cinema while honouring the spirit of resilience embodied by Jîna and the ongoing women’s struggle with the slogan “Jin Jîyan Azadî”.