International Women’s Festival in Qamishlo, Hesekê, and Kobanê kicks off on Saturday

The KEZÎ collective promotes the Nujiyan International Women’s Festival.

The KEZÎ collective promotes the Nujiyan International Women’s Festival. The first edition will kick off tomorrow, Saturday, with films to be screened in Qamishlo (which will be the center of the festival), with an extensive program featuring events in every canton and city of Rojava. Screenings will also occur in Waşokanî camp and other camps. Furthermore, outdoor screenings will be held in major parks in Qamishlo, Hesekê, and Kobanê, along with exhibitions at local institutions and Hîlala Zêrîn's High Institute of Art. 

The KEZÎ collective said in its presentation of the festival: "In light of the ongoing global conflicts that have turned our world into a smoldering fire, we stand in an environment shaped by a capitalist mentality, political shifts, and the suppression of diverse beliefs. This fire is consuming both humanity and nature, and the conflicts that have long plagued Kurdistan and the wider Middle East are often at the center. Amidst this turmoil, it is frequently women, children, and nature who bear the heaviest toll. In response to these challenges, we, as women, endeavor to articulate our struggles through political and ethical frameworks that embrace our voices and rights."

The presentation continued: "We cherish the values of freedom, equality, and peace, recognizing that our world is interwoven with the legacies of life’s creations.This festival is our moment to ensure each woman, in her own way, is empowered to resist oppressive systems and contribute to the collective journey toward freedom. The art of womanhood enriches history and serves as a dynamic force in cultivating uniqueness. Therefore, the International Women’s Festival aims to promote love and peace through the powerful medium of cinema."

The festival will take place from 25 to 31 May.