- ANF
- VIENNA
- Monday, 9 November 2026, 16:29
The 12th Serçavan Kurdish Film Days in Vienna concluded on Sunday evening with a tribute to Kurdish filmmaker Yılmaz Güney. From November 4 to 8, the festival presented feature films, short films and documentaries from all four parts of Kurdistan and the diaspora at the Votivkino cinema. The productions explored cultural identity, flight and displacement, women’s rights, state repression and resistance against political oppression.
Held at varying intervals since 1999, the film festival was organized by the Federation of Kurdish Associations in Austria (FEYKOM), the Association of Students from Kurdistan (YXK) and other partner organizations. In addition to film screenings, the program offered opportunities for discussions with directors and filmmakers.
Political cinema and meetings with filmmakers
The festival opened with the documentary To My Sisters, which explores women’s rights and the struggle for freedom. Following the screening, the director answered questions from the audience during an online discussion.
On the second day of the festival, the program included The Memory of Sur (Bîra Sûrê) by Azad Altay and Hemo, a film about life and resistance in Rojava. The political satire Oy’una Geldik was also screened, with director Kazım Öz attending in person.
During the subsequent audience discussion, Öz spoke about the banning of his film in Turkey and the criminal charges faced by those involved in its production. He then signed copies of his books.
From migration to resistance against assimilation
The program on Friday and Saturday focused on further social and political issues. Screenings included Xezîne, Rojava Rûmeta Meye, Habā, Arzela from Amed, Heval Birako, Dengê Kilîtan – Voices and Locks, The Manuscript, Yerli Yurtsuz (Rootless Resident) and Dimilî: Ewro Tirkî Yasax.
The films explored various aspects of Kurdish life, including migration, violence against women, the struggle to preserve linguistic and cultural identity, and the consequences of state oppression. Discussions with the filmmakers in attendance provided an opportunity for deeper engagement with the works and the stories behind their creation.
Festival concludes with a tribute to Yılmaz Güney’s cinematic legacy
On the final day of the festival, the documentary Mugarik Gabe – No Borders by Boris Guevara was screened first. The production explores the connections between the Basque Country and Kurdistan through shared cultural and musical traditions. It focuses on experiences of resistance, identity and solidarity across borders.
The festival concluded with Çirkin Kral Efsanesi by Hüseyin Tabak. The documentary explores the life, artistic work and cinematic legacy of Yılmaz Güney. Following the screening, a final discussion was held with the audience.
12th edition of Serçavan Kurdish Film Days opens in ViennaThe Serçavan Kurdish Film Days, which have been held at different intervals in Vienna since 1999, opened for the 12th time this year.The festival, taking place at Votivkino, is organised in coope…ANF News
