The eighth edition of the New York Kurdish Film Festival will kick off today, Saturday 12 October, at the storied Village East by Angelika theater, 181-189 Second Avenue in Manhattan. 

The opening night will see the screening of the film, Rojek, followed by a Q&A with director Zaynê Akyol.

This year’s New York Kurdish Film Festival embraces a powerful and timely theme: Freedom of Expression in the Mother Tongue. The 8th edition of the festival, said the organizers, aims to spotlight the rich diversity of Kurdish voices, stories, and experiences, emphasizing the importance of preserving and promoting the Kurdish language as a tool for cultural identity and self-expression. As language is the lifeblood of any culture, the festival will explore the role of Kurdish as a means of resilience, resistance, and creativity in the face of historical and ongoing challenges.

In addition to showcasing a selection of groundbreaking Kurdish films that highlight this theme, the festival will offer panel discussions, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and community-driven events aimed at fostering dialogue on the vital connection between language and freedom. The opening reception will feature traditional Kurdish cuisine, including the iconic Kurdish Smugglers’ Tea, providing a taste of Kurdish culture for our attendees.

The New York Kurdish Cultural Center continues its mission of promoting Kurdish heritage through a variety of activities throughout the year. Alongside the festival, the center offers weekly Kurdish language classes for both children and adults, providing an essential platform for preserving the language and empowering future generations. Our monthly Book and Cinema Club brings together people from all walks of life to discuss Kurdish literature and films, while our annual events, such as the Kurdish Heritage Month Celebration in March and Seva Zistane in December, celebrate the beauty and resilience of Kurdish culture.