In a strategic move reflecting its rising stature on the global cinematic map, H.E. Dr. Ahmed Al-Moataz Al-Mubarqa, Iraq’s Minister of Youth and Sports and President of the Iraq International Youth Film Festival, has announced that the festival’s second edition will be rescheduled. Originally set for January 6, the event will now take place from March 31 to April 4, 2026.
The announcement was made during the administrative board elections for the Sports Talent Club at the Ministry’s headquarters, in the presence of the festival’s Artistic and Executive Director, artist Khaled Al-Zahraw.
Strategic Timing for Maximum Impact
Dr. Al-Mubarqa explained that the decision to postpone was made to avoid overlaps with religious occasions and the proximity to the Holy Month of Ramadan. The rescheduling ensures broader participation from filmmakers and industry professionals, many of whom are currently committed to major drama productions for the upcoming Ramadan season.
A Growing Global Footprint
The festival President emphasized that the second edition will feature participants from 36 countries alongside Iraq—a testament to the event's growing international and regional prestige. Notably, it remains the only major regional festival dedicated exclusively to youth cinema.
Key Highlights of the Upcoming Edition:
Duration: Five consecutive days of screenings and events.
Official Selection: 5 feature films and 60 short narrative and documentary films.
Production Years: All showcased films are 2024 and 2025 productions.
International Jury: An elite panel of world-class filmmakers will oversee the awards.
Empowering the Next Generation
A centerpiece of the festival is the Golden Obelisk Award, which will be presented to winners in the Short Fiction, Short Documentary, and "Best Debut Film" categories. Furthermore, the festival will grant development awards to the six best youth film projects, a tradition aimed at fostering new talent and stimulating creative continuity.
Artist Khaled Al-Zahraw, the festival’s Artistic and Executive Director, promised a "qualitative surprise" for the second edition, citing the high caliber of films and the prestigious roster of Arab and international guests heading to Baghdad.
"The postponement ensures a vibrant presence of filmmakers who are eager to engage with Baghdad’s cultural scene. This festival is more than an event; it is a platform to present Iraq’s civilized image and establish youth cinema as a cornerstone of our national culture and future industry," Al-Zahraw stated.
The five-day program will feature a diverse array of film screenings, critical seminars, and specialized technical workshops, reinforcing Baghdad’s position as a burgeoning hub for the cinematic arts.
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