Kurdish Film Days 2026: Thorns of the Sahel at Lichtwerk Bielefeld
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Kurdish Film Days 2026: Moving Cinema at Lichtwerk Bielefeld
The Kurdish Film Days 2026 will bring the emotional, political, and artistic spectrum of Kurdish filmmaking to Bielefeld from October 2 to October 16. On Friday, October 16, the feature film Thorns of the Sahel will be shown at Lichtwerk. The screening will begin at 5:00 PM and will be presented in its original version with English subtitles.
A film about loss, search, and the consequences of extremism
The focus is on Naïma, who loses her parents and hearing in a brutal terrorist attack. In search of her missing brother Saïd, her path leads to an overcrowded refugee camp in the middle of the Sahel. The reunion takes a tragic turn: Saïd has joined the terrorists who once destroyed his family's life.
Cinema as a window to global realities
Director Boubakar Diallo tells in his 2023 film produced in Burkina Faso, lasting 90 minutes, about the human consequences of political violence. The film combines personal grief, family bonds, and societal upheaval into a gripping cinematic experience. After its premiere at the African Film Festival Fespaco, the work opens a look at a region whose stories are rarely visible in international cinema.
Part of a diverse festival series
The Kurdish Film Days will take place in Bielefeld for the third consecutive time in 2026. The festival presents a total of four Kurdish films as well as an additional contribution in cooperation with Afrika Wakati e. V. Two directors will personally present their works. The film days are organized by the Initiative Peace and Hope e. V. in cooperation with Lichtwerk Bielefeld and Afrika Wakati e. V.; the Bielefeld Adult Education Center also supports the program.
Cinematic Art at Lichtwerk
Lichtwerk in Ravensberger Park provides the appropriate setting for this special film event. Between cinema hall, festival program, and subsequent discussions, a concentrated community feeling emerges, connecting cinematic art with cultural exchange. The screening of Thorns of the Sahel is aimed at an audience that appreciates strong stories, international perspectives, and sophisticated cinema.
Conclusion: An evening for striking images and new perspectives
The Kurdish Film Days 2026 invite you to experience cinema as a multi-day event and a space for encounters. Thorns of the Sahel promises an emotional, politically aware film evening about family, trauma, and the consequences of terrorism. Anyone wishing to experience international cinematic art live on screen should mark October 16 at Lichtwerk Bielefeld.
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