Kurdish Film Days 2026: Hêza tells of flight, strength, and resistance
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Kurdish Film Days 2026: Hêza at Lichtwerk Bielefeld
The Kurdish Film Days 2026 bring Kurdish filmmaking to the Lichtwerk cinema in Ravensberger Park from October 2 to 16. On October 4, the documentary film Hêza is on the program – an intense cinematic experience about memory, survival, resilience, and the power of female self-determination.
A moving portrait from Kurdish film culture
The documentary by Derya Deniz tells the story of the Êzîdi woman Suad Murad Xelef, known as Hêza. She was abducted along with 25 family members during the ISIS genocide on August 3, 2014. After her escape, she joined the women's units YJŞ in Şengal and was involved in the liberation of Raqqa.
Cinema as a place for history and present
Filmed in Northern and Eastern Syria, in Raqqa and Şengal, Hêza connects personal life stories with the political realities of the region. The documentary, created in 2022, makes Kurdish perspectives visible and opens up views on identity, solidarity, and resistance. The screening will take place with German subtitles.
Festival atmosphere at Lichtwerk
During the Kurdish Film Days, Lichtwerk in Ravensberger Park will become a meeting place for film fans, culture enthusiasts, and the festival community. The festival program consists of four Kurdish films and an additional contribution in cooperation with Africa Wakati e. V. The program is complemented by meetings with filmmakers and discussions about the exhibited works.
Conclusion: A cinema evening with lasting impression
The screening of Hêza promises a focused, political, and emotional cinematic experience. Anyone wanting to discover Kurdish film culture, learn about moving life stories, and experience socially relevant themes on screen will find a special festival date at Lichtwerk on October 4.
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