Rojava International Film Festival is the first cinema festival in Northern Syria. The festival is organised thanks to the effort of local and international film professionals and young volunteers who believe in the power of cinema and culture to rebuild our society, struck by war and embargo.
The end of the war against ISIS (Islamic State) was announced this March. With the postwar, new challenges have emerged were high doses of creative thinking are needed. We need to restore the broken bridges of trust among peoples and communities by enhancing dialogue and synergy across the region and internationally. For this, the festival will open interactive spaces with workshops, panels, exhibition and screenings where local realities and experiences from around the world can be shared among local film professionals from different cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds, international guest and the public.
Rojava International Film Festival is a celebration of life, arts and cinema that takes place in the context of our revolution. This year’s themes are cultural sovereignty, women’s emancipation and resistance which are in the core of the Revolution of Rojava.

Short Film Competition: Best Animation, Best Fiction, Best Documentary. Best film by female director.
Feature-length Documentary Competition: Best Film. Best film by female director.
Feature-length Fiction Competition: Best Film. Best film by female director.

Films should be from 2018 onwards.