When does the opening of the Kurdish Film Days 2026 take place?

The opening takes place on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 6:00 PM.

Where is the event held?

The venue is Lichtwerk at Ravensberger Park 7 in 33607 Bielefeld.

Which film will be shown at the opening?

The opening will feature The Virgin and Child, a drama by Kurdish director Bêrîvan Binevşa about trauma, resilience, and the search for justice.

Will the director be present at the event?

Yes, Bêrîvan Binevşa will personally be welcomed at the opening in Lichtwerk Bielefeld.

How long do the Kurdish Film Days 2026 last?

The Kurdish Film Days will take place from October 2 to 16, 2026, in Bielefeld.

In what language will the film be shown?

The Virgin and Child will be shown in the original version with subtitles.

Kurdish Film Days 2026 Bielefeld

Name: Kurdish Film Days 2026 – Reception of Director Bêrîvan Binevşa for the Opening
Start: 2026-10-02T18:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-10-02T20:00:00+02:00
Location: Lichtwerk

Kurdish Film Days 2026: An Intense Start with Bêrîvan Binevşa

On October 2, 2026, the Kurdish Film Days will open at Lichtwerk Bielefeld with the compelling drama The Virgin and Child. The audience will personally welcome the Kurdish director Bêrîvan Binevşa for the opening – a special festival moment for all who wish to experience Kurdish filmmaking, socially relevant issues, and cinematic encounters.

A Film About Trauma, Resilience, and Justice

The central focus is on Avesta, a young Kurdish-Yezidi woman and survivor of captivity by the so-called Islamic State. In Brussels, she seeks justice against the man who once enslaved her. At the same time, she confronts her darkest memories and the burden of an unwanted child.

The Virgin and Child tells the story of a woman who resists silence. The drama combines personal vulnerability with political reality and creates an intense cinematic experience about self-determination, memory, and the unyielding quest for justice.

Festival Opening at Lichtwerk Bielefeld

The opening will take place at Lichtwerk in Ravensberger Park. The cinema hall will become a meeting point for film enthusiasts, culture-interested people, and the festival community. According to the organizers, the Kurdish Film Days 2026 are already starting for the third consecutive year in Bielefeld, showcasing Kurdish filmmaking in its emotional, political, and artistic diversity.

The festival program runs from October 2 to 16, 2026. A total of four Kurdish films as well as another contribution in cooperation with Afrika Wakati e.V. are on the agenda. Two directors will personally present their works. This connects the festival organization with film screenings and direct exchange, fostering a vibrant community feeling.

Kurdish Cinema with Personal Encounters

The reception of Bêrîvan Binevşa adds a special closeness to the opening evening. Besides the film screening, the director's perspective comes to the forefront. The audience experiences not only a carefully staged drama but also gains direct access to the artistic work behind the film.

The Virgin and Child was produced in 2024, was made in Iraq and the Autonomous Region of Kurdistan, and has a runtime of 84 minutes. The screening will be in the original version with subtitles. The event is aimed at adults and culture-interested visitors who understand cinema as a space for exchange, memory, and new perspectives.

A Multi-Day Experience for Film and Culture Fans

The Kurdish Film Days see themselves as a multi-day cultural experience with different cinematic approaches to Kurdish realities, history, and present. Additionally, the documentary Hêza, the feature film Bekas, and other works from Kurdish film culture will follow.

The focus is not only on the screen. The festival atmosphere is created through encounters, conversations, and the shared attention of an audience that engages with demanding stories. Lichtwerk thus becomes a place for cinematic discoveries, social debates, and cultural connectedness.

Conclusion: An Opening Evening that Resonates

The opening of the Kurdish Film Days 2026 brings a powerful drama with The Virgin and Child and a significant voice of Kurdish cinema with Bêrîvan Binevşa to Bielefeld. Those who appreciate moving art house cinema, international perspectives, and personal encounters will experience an evening with lasting impact at Lichtwerk. Mark the date now and experience the Kurdish Film Days live in Bielefeld.