First German Kurdish film festival gives voice to the Yazidi community

Düsseldorf, Germany, introduces the first Kurdish Film Festival (DKFF), offering a vital platform for Kurdish cinema and spotlighting the Yazidi community. As Medya News reports, this event running from 25-28 April, underscores the urgent need to preserve and evolve the Kurdish language, culture and history, under long-standing political repression. 

Kurdish filmmakers and artists safeguard their community’s cultural identity through works that double as both artistic expressions and historical documents. Their films not only delve into the Kurdish way of life, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity, but also play a crucial role in educating and challenging prejudices. 

Among these artists, Yılmaz Güney stands out as a pioneering figure in Kurdish cinema and a cultural ambassador across borders. Beyond showcasing films, the DKFF programme includes discussions, lectures and cultural events, giving attendees the opportunity to engage deeply with Kurdish culture and history. 

These activities are aimed at promoting tolerance, understanding and solidarity. The festival will also reflect on the historical suffering of the Yazidi community, notably the genocide committed by ISIS in the Sinjar (Şengal) region of Iraq in 2014. 

With Germany home to the largest Yazidi diaspora, the festival bridges cultural divides and amplifies the voices of this distinct minority. The DKFF invites the public to explore Kurdish cinema and participate in constructive dialogue with diverse cultures and communities.