🎬 Discover the 7th Edition Program of Kobani International Film Festival 2026! 🎬 7th Edition Festival Program 2026! View Program →

Kobani International
Film Festival

7th Edition – Celebrating Independent Cinema
[
Festival Announcement
]

Call for Films – 7th Edition

The Kobani International Film Festival launches its 7th edition on March 29, 2026.
Film submissions are open from April 1 to June 1, 2026.

The festival’s closing screenings and awards ceremony will take place September 4–6, 2026.

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Kobani International Film Festival - Official Award Winners 2026
Kobani International Film Festival Trophy Logo

OFFICIAL AWARD WINNERS

7th Kobani International Film Festival | 2026

The Kobani International Film Festival proudly announces the official award winners of its 7th edition. Celebrating cinematic excellence, brave storytelling, and artistic vision from independent filmmakers worldwide.

EXPLORE ALL WINNERS & AWARDS
BEST FILM
END (IT)

Director: Jean-Marie Villeneuve

Recipients: Elvis Gygi, François Estrada, Jean-Marie Villeneuve (Producers)

BEST KURDISH FILM
HOME MADE

Director: Rojda Ezgi Oral

Recipient: Rojda Ezgi Oral (Director)

BEST DIRECTOR
DISTRESS CALL

Director: Michele D’Anca

Recipient: Michele D’Anca (Director)

BEST ACTING
CONNECTION

Director: Aneta Bochnacka

Recipient: Marta Sutor (Actor)

Next Edition Submissions

Film submissions for the upcoming 8th edition officially open on April 1, 2027.

Submit Film
[
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
]

“CELEBRATING CINEMA: BRINGING STORIES OF CULTURE,

RESISTANCE, AND HUMANITY TO THE SCREEN.

1:32
TV Series - 2009-2019

The Kobani International Film Festival is an independent platform dedicated to supporting cinematic voices from around the world, with a focus on underrepresented communities. Since its launch in 2020, the festival has grown into an international event offering screenings, workshops, and creative exchange.

Genre
: Crime, Neo-Noir, Detective Thriller
Creator
: James Holloway & Marina Caldwell
Stars
: Gareth Thorne, Serena Vale, Victor Hale, Marcus Trent
Production Companies
: Filmoo Studio
[
Our Vision, Mission & Values
]

Vision

Toward a better cinema. Cinema was born to be renewed, created, and mastered. Despite all the circumstances and obstacles the independent directors go through.

Mission

Giving opportunities, and pioneering the diversity and creativity of the world through your lenses.

Values

Freedom of creativity; the supportive hand for creativity makers and opening doors for diverse topics.

[
KOBANI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
]

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF CINEMA THROUGH INDEPENDENT VOICES

Bringing together filmmakers from around the world, the festival celebrates powerful stories, cultural diversity, and the spirit of independent cinema.

AHouse Near the Sun

Best Kurdish Film

Directed by Maryam Samadi & Roni Schamlian

Nettle

Best Film

Directed by Toni Hilgersson

La Villa

Sub HeBest Directorading

Directed by Álvaro Raúl Diamanti

I Left

Best Screenplay

Written by Irine Javakhidze & Shalva Shengeli

Directed by Shokat Harjo

The Skin Speaks

Best Cinematography

Cinematography by Yu Yiming & Zhang Yihan

Habibullah

Best Documentary Film

Directed by Adnan Zandi Country: Iran, Kurdistan

113 Words for You Today

Best Animated Film

Country: United States

Kobani International Film
[
why choose us
]

We blend narrative mastery and technical precision to create

unforgettable visuals that communicate your message

with impact and emotional depth

We combine emotional storytelling, beautiful imagery, and technical accuracy to communicate your message powerfully, creating content that connects deeply and remains memorable.

[ 1x ]
AICP Awards – Best Cinematography
[ 2x ]
London International Awards – Best Production Craft
[ 1x ]
Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards – Gold Dolphin
[ 3x ]
New York Festivals TV & Film Awards – Grand Award
[ 2x ]
Clio Awards – Film Craft Excellence
[
FESTIVAL EDITIONS
]

A JOURNEY THROUGH THE FESTIVAL’S HISTORY AND GROWTH

Explore the journey of the Kobani International Film Festival through its past editions, celebrating stories, filmmakers, and achievements from around the world.

7th Edition

2026

6th Edition

2025

5th Edition

2024

4th Edition

2023

3rd Edition

2022

2nd Edition

2021

1st Edition

2020

[
JURY MEMBERS
]

MEET THE FESTIVAL JURY

An international panel of filmmakers, critics, and industry professionals who bring expertise and vision to evaluate and celebrate outstanding films.

Adnan Osman Shanaz

Head of Film Programming, Selection & Evaluation

Toni Deaver

Jury Member

Betty Lerche

Jury Member

Sahim Omar Kalifa

Jury President

Jano Rosebiani

Adviser

Nawzad Alani

Submit Your Film to Kobani International Film Festival

[
FESTIVAL TESTIMONIALS
]

VOICES FROM THE FESTIVAL

Hear from filmmakers and participants who have been part of the Kobani International Film Festival and shared their stories with global audiences.

Daniel Harrington
Creative Director at NovaVisual

“Being part of the Kobani International Film Festival was an incredible experience. It gave our film a powerful platform and connected us with audiences from around the world.”

4,9

Lisa Rivers
Marketing Manager at Northlight Media

“The Kobani International Film Festival is more than a screening platform — it is a space where stories truly connect with people. Being part of it was an inspiring and unforgettable experience.”

4,7

Daniel Hart
Brand Strategist at Apex Vision Group

“Kobani International Film Festival brings cinema to life in a way that feels personal, powerful, and deeply connected to real stories.”

4,8

Evelyn Sinclair
Head of Communications at Lumeris Studios

“This festival creates a powerful platform for independent voices. It was an honor to present our work among such diverse and impactful stories from around the world.”

4,8

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