In 2025, the world got a glimpse of the new Kurdistan in the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, a small territory of north Iraq with a history of conflict and strife. A new addition was unveiled by Kurdistan leaders: the Kurdistan Film Commission Slemani. The new organization wishes to establish a robust film industry in the area and present the wonders and culture of Kurdistan on film.
The Deputy Prime Minister of Kurdistan, H.E. Qubad Talabani, came to Cannes to make the big announcement. He was joined by filmmaker Bavi Yassin, actor Kardo Razzazi, Amanda Toney from Stage 32, and Marj Galas from the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI).
The Film Commission is based in the city of Slemani, also known as Suli, which is a cultural center in Kurdistan. The main aim is to invite filmmakers from around the world to shoot in Kurdistan, help and train Kurdish filmmakers, and share Kurdish stories and beautiful landscapes with the world.
Talabani spoke proudly about his homeland. He said that when people hear the word Kurdistan, they often think about war, refugees, and sadness. But he wanted to show the world another side — a side full of art, beauty, and storytelling.
He also mentioned that this project can help Kurdistan’s economy. According to him, Kurdistan should not only be known for oil or politics anymore. It is ready to grow and open itself to creative industries like filmmaking.
Bavi Yassin, who grew up in Belgium and studied filmmaking there, shared her journey with the audience. She first returned to Kurdistan to make a documentary. When she saw the potential for a film industry in the region, she decided to stay and work for change.
She said that it took her ten years of perseverance to arrive at this point. In 2014, the ISIS threat was so close. It was a risky and unpredictable time. But she never lost hope, because she believed in the power of storytelling and film.
Yassin also announced the upcoming Suli Film Fund, which will help filmmakers by providing financial support. Although more details about the fund are still to come, it is a big step for the local film industry.
At the panel, Marj Galas talked about how films can attract tourists. She explained that when audiences enjoy a movie, they usually wish to see the filming locations. This might make Kurdistan a desired destination and shift the perception of people about the region.
Amanda Toney of Stage 32 showed how her site assists in training filmmakers and assisting film commissions in over 50 nations. She said that she hopes to work with Kurdistan to support local talent and international productions.
Actor Kardo Razzazi, who has appeared in shows like Rheingold and Peacemaker on Netflix, spoke emotionally about the moment. He said it was special for him to see Kurdistan finally getting a chance to share its stories with the world. He believes Kurdish voices have long been unheard, and now is the time to change that.
Talabani ended the session with a personal memory. He recalled a visit to the United Nations many years ago, when he and his team were not allowed inside the building. He looked at all the national flags but could not find the flag of Kurdistan. That memory stayed with him.
But to see the Kurdistan Film Commission at Cannes made him proud. He explained that if the Kurdish flag can’t be displayed on political occasions, it can be displayed through art and film. That means as much to him. Someday, he added, he wants to retire and just sit back and watch excellent films produced in Kurdistan.
This event at Cannes marks a new beginning for Kurdistan. After many years of conflict and hardship, the region is ready to share its beauty, talent, and stories with the world through cinema.
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