A new edition of the Vienna Kurdish Film Days (Serçavan Film Days) will open on 29 October. The cinema days are called “Stories Reflected on the Screen” and will present a rich program of feature films, documentaries, and short films offering different perspectives on the culture, history, and lived reality of Kurdistan.
The event is organized by the Federation of Kurdish Associations in Austria (FEYKOM) and the Kurdish Students Union (YXK), and supported by various organizations. This year marks the 11th edition of the Serçavan Film Days. The festival will showcase works by award-winning and nominated directors from the four parts of Kurdistan and Europe. As part of the event, donations will be collected for a cinema construction project in Amûdê, Rojava, supporting the creation of a new space for film, gathering, and hope in the region.
FEYKOM said: “We are delighted to once again welcome our audience at Votivkino this year.”
Opening and program details
The opening of the Serçavan Film Days will begin with speeches and greetings, followed by a musical performance by the Kurdish musician Omid Darwish. The opening film, EREN, tells the story of Eren Keskin, co-chair of the Human Rights Association (İHD), focusing on her professional and personal life. Eren Keskin fights against torture, sexual violence, and hate crimes targeting women, Kurds, and other ethnic and religious minorities in Turkey. After the screening, Eren Keskin will attend online to answer questions from the audience.
Second day of the program
On the second day, short films ranging from 6 to 20 minutes will be screened. Among them are Red Room, Kwistan, Zaam, Dancing Amid Fire, Rising Above Ruins, and YARÊ. The evening will conclude with the feature film Mond (Moon) by Vienna-based director Kurdwin Ayub. Following the screening, a discussion will take place on freedom, control, and the struggle for self-determination, linking back to her first film Sonne (Sun).
Three films on Friday
Friday’s program begins with Muharrem und Xewna Bê Ziman, followed by Naharina and The Virgin & Child. These films explore traumatic experiences in Kurdish collective memory and the struggle for freedom.
Filmmakers’ panel
Among the films to be shown on Saturday are Asadur, Tevî her tistî, Hat Nehat, Xwes Xeber, KURMÊ DARÊ, and Eine Brücke nach Rojava (A Bridge to Rojava). The highlight of the day will be a panel discussion at 2:00 p.m. on November 1 at the Vienna Schauspielhaus. Filmmakers Essmat Sophie, Ekrem Heydo, and Robert Krieg will participate in the discussion and exchange ideas with the audience about their films.
A full final day
The final day of the Film Days will begin with short films Garan, After What, and Şiwênpence, which address the nearly insurmountable obstacles and hardened political climate of daily life. The day will conclude with Vartinîs and Suwariyên Şengalê, which depict traumatic experiences in Kurdish collective memory through tragic personal stories.
Highlighting cultural diversity
District President Saya Ahmad expressed her joy at hosting the Film Days in Vienna’s 9th district, noting that the festival offers a deep insight into the multifaceted life of the Kurds and connects the stories presented with the residents of Alsergrund. She emphasized that the festival not only makes art and culture accessible to everyone but also strengthens solidarity and social cohesion while making the diversity of Kurdish culture visible.
City Councilor for Art and Culture Veronica Kaup-Hasler stated that Serçavan symbolizes a community built on respect, openness, and shared strength. She added that the festival creates a vibrant space for exchange through its diverse film selections and conversations with filmmakers.
Tickets available
Tickets for the Serçavan Film Days have been available since October 8, 2025, both online at Votivkino.at and directly at the Votivkino box office. Regular ticket price: €10.50.