ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The annual Kurdish Film and Cultural festival opened its doors on Friday in New York, paying special tribute to Kurdish women. “This is what we have, Kurdish cinema. We are offering our story in a universal language to feel, you know, that we are united despite all the oppression, despite all the division, despite all the borders. We are Kurds united,” said host Xeyal Qertel, an activist and educator who established the festival in 2017. The first day opened with a talk and performance by ethnomusicologist Ozan Aksoy who’s art concentrates on showcasing the various musical traditions of the ethnic and religious minorities in Turkey. His performance was followed by the presentation of the book “The Daughters of Kobani.” Written by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, it tells the story of four Kurdish women who joined the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) in northeast Syria (Rojava) to fight against the Islamic State (ISIS). ”I mean it’s an honor, it’s a huge responsibility. It’s a privilege to be here with people celebrating culture,” Lemmon said, adding that she hopes the story shows how much people have in common with each other while also preserving what makes Kurdish culture unique. The festival, showcasing 21 films, documentaries, and books continues through Sunday at the Village East by Angelika movie theater. Rudaw Media Network is an official sponsor. Several Kurdish film festivals are held annually in the Kurdistan Region and around the world. Berlin will host its 11th Kurdish Film Festival from October 14 - 20.
