Kurdistan Film Commission at Marché du film: Panels, Participation & Historic presence!

Kurdistan Film Commission marked a strong debut at the 2025 Marché du Film in Cannes, participating in several key panels and attracting significant attention from industry leaders, filmmakers, and international guests.

The Commission’s main panel on May 14 brought together an influential lineup including H.E. Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, Chairperson and Founder Bavi Yassin, Amanda Toney, Kardo Razzazi, and Marjorie Galas. The discussion explored the future of Kurdish cinema, international collaboration, and the region’s growing potential as a filmmaking destination. Speakers highlighted the importance of authentic storytelling, capacity building, and opening Kurdistan to global productions.

Beyond the main session, Bavi Yassin represented Kurdistan in two major industry conversations at the festival. At the Palais des Festivals, she joined regional leaders for the “Co-Production Equation in Arab Films” case study, which examined cross-border collaboration, creative authenticity, and the evolving landscape of Arab co-productions.

Bavi also participated in AFCI’s 50th-anniversary panel, speaking alongside representatives from Rio de Janeiro, Cincinnati, Japan Film Commission, and Amazon MGM Studios. The discussion focused on the power of global networks and the role of film commissions in shaping future production opportunities.

Throughout these events, the Kurdistan Film Commission’s booth at Palais -1 drew continuous interest from producers, investors, and filmmakers eager to learn about the region’s growing industry. The strong participation and presence at these panels signaled a promising start for Kurdistan’s engagement on the international film stage.