Baghdad Kicks Off 2nd International Youth Film Festival Under the Banner "Cinema Against War."

Dr. Ahmed Al-Muburqa, President of the Iraq International Youth Film Festival, inaugurated the second edition of the festival in the capital, Baghdad, under the slogan "Cinema Against War." This cinematic event features extensive participation from young filmmakers, aiming to consolidate the role of art as a soft power in confronting violence and promoting humanitarian discourse.

The opening ceremony was attended by a high-profile official and cultural audience, led by the Minister of Commerce, Dr. Atheer Al-Ghurairy, along with several members of Parliament and advisors to the Prime Minister, reflecting the growing official and societal interest in supporting the youth and cinema sectors.

International Participation and a Diverse Program

The second edition is characterized by significant artistic momentum, bringing together experiences from 19 countries. The official program includes 44 short films, ranging from narrative and documentary to experimental works. These films focus on themes of war, identity, memory, and human justice, aiming to create a cross-border visual dialogue through contemporary artistic language.

Awards and the Jury

Participating films are competing for four main awards designed to stimulate youth creativity: Best First Film, Best Short Narrative Film, Best Iraqi Short Film, and the Special Jury Prize. The jury consists of a group of specialists: Dr. Hakim Jassim, screenwriter Hamid Malik, producer Mohammed Al-Ghadhban, film critic Ali Al-Yasiri, and director Fares Tu'ma Al-Tamimi.

Humanitarian Messages and National Dimensions

The festival’s opening coincided with a celebratory national atmosphere following the Iraqi national football team's qualification for the World Cup. Opening remarks emphasized that the determination driving sports victories is the same spirit motivating cultural creativity. The ceremony also included a moment of tribute to the nation’s martyrs, with a minute of silence and the recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha, blending humanitarian and national dimensions.

Opening Film: "The Voice of Hind Rajab"

The official screenings began with the film "The Voice of Hind Rajab" by the internationally acclaimed Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania. The film embodies the festival's message of opposing war and championing humanity. In a video message, Ben Hania expressed her love for Iraq and announced her intention to attend the third edition of the festival in person next year.

A Sustainable Platform for the Future

The festival management concluded by emphasizing that holding this edition despite exceptional circumstances serves as a clear message of resilience. They stressed that cinema is not merely a means of entertainment but a tool for awareness and nation-building, as the Iraq International Youth Film Festival continues to establish itself as a sustainable project that places Iraq firmly on the global cinematic map.