ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Kobani International Film Festival
A platform for independent cinema, cultural dialogue, and creative expression.
Home – About Us
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ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
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“CELEBRATING CINEMA:
BRINGING STORIES OF CULTURE,
RESISTANCE, AND HUMANITY TO THE SCREEN."
since
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.
MAIN STORY
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Our Story
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The Kobani International Film Festival is an independent cultural platform dedicated to highlighting cinematic voices from around the world, with a particular focus on underrepresented regions and communities. The festival was founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic by Komma e.V., a non-profit cultural organization led by Kurdish and international filmmakers who believe in cinema as a tool for expression, dialogue, and social change.
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Growth & Recognition
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Despite financial challenges, the festival has steadily grown, gaining international recognition year after year. The fourth edition in 2023 marked a major milestone, receiving 2,165 films from 121 countries and diverse cultural backgrounds. In its fifth edition in 2024, the festival continued this momentum, strengthening its position as a leading independent film festival in the region.
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Supporting Emerging Talent
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Beyond film screenings, the festival is committed to nurturing emerging talents through professional workshops in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, lighting, sound, and editing. These programs provide young filmmakers with opportunities to learn, connect, and grow creatively.
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Expanding Film Culture
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The festival also contributes to film culture by translating and publishing selected reference books on cinema into Kurdish and Arabic, enriching regional access to global film knowledge.
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Looking Ahead
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As it prepares for its upcoming editions, the Kobani International Film Festival continues its mission to build bridges between cultures through cinema—bringing stories from Kobani to the world, and the world’s stories to Kobani.
Countries Participated
Films Submitted
Editions
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Our Vision, Mission & Values
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Vision
Mission
Values
Freedom of creativity; the supportive hand for creativity makers and opening doors for diverse topics.