1. Kurdish Film Festival
In today’s world, where cultural diversity is more prevalent than ever before, the first Kurdish Film Festival in Dusseldorf (DKFF) provides a unique opportunity to serve as a platform for Kurdish cinema. With this year’s thematic focus, attention is finally being given to the Yazidi community, which has long been overdue. The festival aims to make a statement about the necessity to preserve and further develop the language, culture, and history of the Kurdish people, especially in the face of intergenerational political repression.
Kurdish filmmakers and artists play a significant role in disseminating and preserving the cultural identity of their people. Their works are not only regarded as artistic expressions but also as historical documents and testimonies of resistance against oppression and injustice. They provide insights into the Kurdish community’s way of life, showcasing its strength and resilience against all odds, while also contributing significantly to informing, educating, and dispelling prejudices. Yilmaz Güney holds a special place in this context. As an actor and director, he is considered both a pioneer of Kurdish cinema and an ambassador of Kurdish culture across borders.
In addition to film screenings, the DKFF’s program includes discussions, lectures, and cultural events that provide many opportunities to become acquainted with Kurdish culture and history and promote values such as tolerance, understanding, and solidarity.
The history of the Yazidis is marked by recurrent displacement, attacks, and attempts at elimination. The brutal assaults by ISIS ten years ago in the Shingal region, involving mass displacement, mass killings, and systematic violence against women and children, etched the suffering of this religious community into the collective memory of the world. Today, with over 200,000 members, the largest diaspora community of Yazidis resides in Germany. The festival aims to take social responsibility and serve as a bridge between cultures, giving voice to this particular minority.
Therefore, we warmly invite everyone to be part of this festival, to broaden their horizons, and engage in an open and constructive dialogue with other cultures and people.
