Al-Mubarakaa Launches Second Edition of Film Grant Competition to Support Youth Projects

As part of his ongoing support for young talents in the film industry, Dr. Ahmed Al-Mubarakaa, Minister of Youth and Sports and President of the Iraq International Youth Film Festival, has announced the launch of the second edition of the financial grant competition dedicated to supporting youth film projects.

The initiative targets young filmmakers working on short films, documentaries, or narrative projects, with a special focus on first-time directors. The grant provides winners with financial support to bring their film projects to life. Applicants must be between 16 and 35 years old and submit projects that reflect creativity, originality, and adherence to cinematic quality standards.

Applications require a project file including the film’s logline, synopsis, treatment, director’s vision, and production plan. Submissions must be made through the official festival website by October 30, 2025. The winners will be announced during the closing ceremony of the second edition of the Iraq International Youth Film Festival, which will take place from January 6 to 10, 2026.

Minister Al-Mubarakaa called on young filmmakers to seize this opportunity provided by the Ministry of Youth and Sports to achieve their cinematic ambitions and contribute to showcasing a fresh and innovative image of youth filmmaking.