The Middle East Cinema Academy Association’s FilmAmed Documentary Film Festival is gearing up to once again celebrate the art of documentary filmmaking in Diyarbakır (Amed), a Kurdish-majority city with a rich cultural heritage in southeastern Turkey.
The festival, which was last held in 2019, will kick off on Wednesday and run until 1 October. A total of 31 films will grace the festival screens.
In its seventh edition, the festival focused on women and migration, with more than 20 films directed by women out of a programme of more than 40 films. In the current edition, 13 of the 31 films are directed by women, continuing the festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse voices in documentary filmmaking.
This year, the festival organisers have decided not to focus on a specific theme, allowing for a diverse selection of topics to be explored through the documentary lens. The festival’s offerings will explore a variety of topics, including human rights abuses, political processes, social injustices, women’s issues and environmental problems.
In previous years, the festival benefited from the cooperation of local communities, which provided venues for screenings and events. However, due to the appointment of government trustees in Kurdish municipalities, this year’s festival will move to alternative venues.
The Middle East Cinema Academy Association
Founded in 2012 in Diyarbakır, the Middle East Cinema Academy Association has emerged as a platform dedicated to highlighting the stories and experiences of marginalised groups, including children, women and refugees. Through its films, the association seeks to shed light on their unique identities, beliefs, ongoing struggles for survival and the multiple challenges they face. Beyond its cinematic endeavours, the association seeks to foster a sense of solidarity among artists and creators working in cinema, video art and various forms of visual storytelling. It is also committed to initiating cultural and artistic projects and providing essential support to passionate artists who address these pressing issues and bring their visions to life.
