7th KIIFF - Official Press

KURDISTAN

INTERNATIONAL INDEPENDENT

FILM FESTIVAL

ANNOUNCES ITS 7TH EDITION - KIIFF 2027

Kurdistan International Independent Film Festival (KIIFF), the world’s first and largest Hybrid Film Festival, officially announces its seventh edition, continuing its mission to support, discover, and present bold, independent, and innovative voices in contemporary cinema.

Now entering its seventh year, KIIFF has developed into a highly selective and artistically driven international platform connecting filmmakers, cinema professionals, industry representatives, and audiences through a combination of curated online exhibition, theatrical screenings, filmmaker conversations, Jury Screenings, special presentations, and international physical exhibition opportunities.

KIIFF places quality above quantity. Its programming is built around a rigorous curatorial and competitive selection process, with a limited number of films selected for each edition across feature films, short films, documentaries, animation, screenwriting, and other forms of cinematic expression.

FOUNDER’S STATEMENT

“When I founded KIIFF, my vision was to create more than a film festival. I wanted to build a platform through which independent filmmakers could be discovered, their work could reach new audiences, and Kurdistan could become part of a wider international conversation about cinema.

Seven years later, that vision continues to grow. KIIFF is developing beyond a traditional festival model, combining curation, competition, exhibition, international screenings, filmmaker dialogue, industry opportunities, and educational development.

I believe independent cinema should not be defined by geography, resources, or the size of a production. What matters is the voice behind the work, the courage to create, and the ability of cinema to connect people across borders.

The seventh edition is another step forward in that vision. We are continuing to build an international platform from Kurdistan for filmmakers around the world, while creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation of independent cinema.”

Raman Irman

Founder & Festival Director

Kurdistan International Independent Film Festival

PREMIERE & EXHIBITION PATHWAYS

For its seventh edition, KIIFF continues to offer multiple premiere and exhibition pathways, allowing filmmakers and authorized distributors to pursue World Premiere, International Premiere, USA Premiere, Canada Premiere, UK Premiere, or Kurdistan Premiere status. Premiere status is subject to verification of the film’s previous exhibition, distribution, and release history.

In addition to premiere designations, KIIFF offers Jury Screening as a distinct pathway for selected films. This format provides private evaluation by the international jury without requiring public online or physical exhibition, allowing significant films to participate in festival competition and recognition even when their distributors’ strategies, release schedules, or existing exhibition commitments do not align with conventional festival screening.

INTERNATIONAL HYBRID EXHIBITION

KIIFF’s hybrid exhibition model combines its official online exhibition platform, M&R Pictures Entertainment, with selective theatrical and cultural exhibitions.

Through its developing international exhibition network, selected films may receive physical presentation opportunities in Kurdistan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other territories through cinemas, cultural institutions, film organizations, festivals, and qualified exhibition partners.

The festival’s exhibition model is designed to extend the reach of selected films beyond a conventional festival screening and to create additional opportunities for filmmakers to connect with international audiences.

LOS ANGELES THEATRICAL EXHIBITION PATHWAY

KIIFF provides one selected film with a dedicated Los Angeles theatrical exhibition pathway, including a seven-day paid public screening at Lumiere Cinema in Beverly Hills.

The pathway is designed around applicable theatrical requirements for potential consideration in the Academy’s Short Film category, subject to the official rules, eligibility requirements, documentation, deadlines, and verification procedures of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

KURDISTAN CULTURAL & CINEMATIC PROGRAM

In Kurdistan, KIIFF continues to expand its cultural and cinematic activities through institutional and exhibition relationships in Erbil.

During its sixth edition in 2026, the festival collaborated with Youth Hub as its official partner in Kurdistan, supporting special screenings, cultural activities, educational initiatives, and opportunities for filmmakers and young audiences.

KIIFF also continues to develop its Kurdish cinema program, through which selected Kurdish films may be formally introduced to the Ministry of Culture of the Kurdistan Regional Government and submitted for theatrical exhibition in Erbil through the relevant cinema institutions and the Kurdistan Cinema Artists Syndicate, including exhibition opportunities at Empire Cinema Erbil, subject to applicable institutional and venue procedures.

INTERNATIONAL PHYSICAL EXHIBITIONS

As KIIFF continues to develop its international exhibition network, selected films may be presented through dedicated physical screenings in international territories, including the United Kingdom and Canada.

KIIFF may collaborate with cinemas, cultural institutions, independent film exhibition organizations, festivals, and other qualified partners to organize dedicated screenings, curated programs, filmmaker presentations, and special cinematic events.

Availability, location, format, and the number of physical screenings may vary according to each edition’s program, partnership structure, venue capacity, film rights, and applicable regulations.

JURY & OFFICIAL SELECTION

KIIFF features an international jury composed of members of the World House of Cinema Artists, including filmmakers, critics, and cinema industry professionals.

Selected films may be presented to the international jury through Jury Screenings, either as part of public festival programming or through private evaluation, depending on the film’s approved exhibition pathway.

These screenings support the festival’s official evaluation and awards process and may also provide selected filmmakers with opportunities for professional development, distribution, and other cinema-related services through M&R Pictures.

FILMMAKER INTERVIEW & TALKS PROGRAM

In addition to its official selections, KIIFF operates an ongoing Filmmaker Interview & Talks Program dedicated to in-depth conversations about the creative process, cinematic language, filmmaking practices, and the future of independent cinema.

The program provides selected filmmakers with an opportunity to present their work, share their experiences, and engage with audiences and cinema professionals beyond the traditional screening environment.

EMERGING FILMMAKER DEVELOPMENT & SUPPORT

KIIFF is committed to identifying and supporting emerging filmmakers whose work demonstrates artistic potential and a distinctive cinematic voice.

Selected emerging filmmakers identified through KIIFF may be introduced to M&R Pictures Film School. Following academic evaluation and recommendations from the festival jury, selected talents may be considered for fully funded academic scholarships for Diploma, Bachelor’s, and Master’s programs.

INTERNATIONAL ARTISTIC RECOGNITION

Throughout its previous editions, KIIFF has presented films featuring or associated with internationally acclaimed and award-winning artists and organizations, including Cloris Leachman, Olympia Dukakis, Tatum O'Neal, Louis Gossett Jr., George Chakiris, Andrew Scott, Cher, the David Lynch Foundation, and many others.

These selections reflect KIIFF’s continuing engagement with internationally recognized cinema and its commitment to bringing diverse cinematic voices into the same global platform.

THE SEVENTH EDITION

KIIFF enters its seventh edition with an expanding international vision and a continued commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for independent filmmakers.

From Kurdistan to the international cinema community, the festival continues to develop a platform where emerging voices, established artists, independent productions, and internationally recognized works can meet through curation, exhibition, dialogue, and cinematic exchange.

Presented by M&R Pictures, the 7th Edition of Kurdistan International Independent Film Festival

will take place from September 6 through September 21, 2027.