The film ‘Dry Valley and Distant Sky’ won five awards at the 5th Sulaymaniyah Film Festival. Its director, Hewraz Mihemed, dedicated the “Best Director” award to the Kurdistan Freedom Guerrillas and to those imprisoned for political reasons. The film, which attracted great attention at the festival, powerfully reflected Kurdish culture through its language, music, legends, and landscape. Director Mihemed conveyed an anti-war message, focusing on humanity, peace, and Kurdish identity.
In his speech while receiving the award, Mihemed said: “The Kurdish people want peace and a democratic solution. For peace to prevail, the weapons must fall silent. That’s why I dedicate this award to the freedom guerrillas and the prisoners resisting inside prisons. They are making great sacrifices for peace and freedom.”
The director also made special mention of Warisha Moradi, highlighting her artistic and social struggle: “Warisha Moradi and her comrades have become the voice of art and resistance inside the prisons. This award is also a tribute to their efforts.”
Addressing the challenges of independent cinema, Mihemed emphasized that both material and moral support are essential for the growth of a free Kurdish cinema: “The progress of art is not only an economic issue, but also a moral and human one. With the support of our people, independent cinema will become stronger.”
Five awards
The film “Dry Valley and Distant Sky” won in the following categories at the festival:
Best Director
Best Film (National)
Best Cinematography
Best Actor
Best Actress
The festival jury stated that the film achieved significant success in Kurdish cinema with its aesthetic language, strong theme, and original storytelling.