History

The Slemani International Film Festival has successfully hosted five editions over the years. Throughout these editions, the festival has had the honor of welcoming outstanding filmmakers from around the world, including renowned personalities and internationally acclaimed award winners. The festival is currently in preparation for its 6th edition.

The Slemani International Film Festival (SIFF) is a leading cinematic and cultural event in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, bringing together filmmakers, artists, and audiences from around the world in Sulaymaniyah.

SIFF celebrates artistic freedom, cultural dialogue, and the power of cinema through film screenings, workshops, panels, and industry activities that connect Kurdish talent with the international film community.

The festival is proudly owned and organized by Kurdistan Cinema Gateway (KCG), a cultural institution dedicated to bridging Kurdish cinema to the world and positioning Sulaymaniyah as a regional hub for creativity, culture, and film.