This year, we have a lot to be exited about in the programme.  We are proud to present several first feature films by young female Kurdish directors at the 2009 festival. Switzerland-based Kurdish female director Ayten Mutlu Saray will be attending our festival with her first feature film ZARA, while another female director, Shirin Cihani, who is based in South Kurdistan (Iraq), will be participating with her first feature film STARS ARE HUELESS BY DAY which has been described by some as first feminist feature film of Kurdish cinema. Other festival highlights include AZAD by Nicolas Tackian, a movie produced by French TV, which highlights the Kurds’ position on the Armenian genocide from the director’s unique perspective. We are also happy to host the UK premiere of AFTER THE DOWNFALL by renowned Kurdish director Hiner Saleem. Also of note, while it was just two years ago that we were helping a casting agency that was looking for actors for WELCOME by Philippe Lioret, we now we have this powerful movie in our festival – a film that has triggered important discussion in France and beyond because of its frank and critical approach to the France’s immigration policy. Although international film festivals like the Golden Orange and the Golden Bowl in Turkey have never included Kaz?m Öz’s films in their festivals, we are bringing this Kurdish director’s two latest and very powerful films THE STORM and THE LAST SEASON: SHAWAKS to London this year. We are also happy to host THE STORM’s UK premiere at the festival. Germany-based Kurdish director Ravin Asaf will be taking part in our festival with his latest film THE SMELL OF APPLES. Additionally, the films HERMAN, HEAVEN IS NOT THE PLACE FOR THE TERRORISTS and THE LAND OF LEGENDS are all feature films from Kurdistan by young Kurdish directors and will surely enrich our programme this year with an all-important perspective from the younger generation. All of these films were made with small budget in very difficult conditions and they represent the creativity and bravery of the Kurdish filmmakers in overcoming such hurdles.

In our documentary programmes, we have 55 strong short and long documentaries. AMERICAN HERRO and DOTMAM are two deftly shot documentaries that show the remarkable achievement of two Kurdish women despite the incredible hardships facing them in their lives. While many of our documentaries deal with the social and political issues including violence against women in Kurdistan, CLOSE UP KURDISTAN by Germany-based Kurdish director Yüksel Yavuz provides invaluable insight into some of the most critical issues facing the Kurds and is especially valuable for educating non-Kurdish audiences about the current situation in Kurdistan.\ To learn more go to;

Washington, D.C., July 29, 2009 - American Herro, a PBS documentary film about Herro Mustafa, held a great event on Capitol Hill, this July 9th, with Congressman, Earl Pomeroy, and his wife, Mary, hosting the event. “I congratulate Kirk and Herro on this extraordinary film – how far these two childhood friends from North Dakota have come!” Congressman Pomeroy said. “The remarkable story of Herro’s journey from Iraq to North Dakota and back is truly an inspiration. With roots in both Iraq and America, Herro has chosen a career of dedicated service to both her home countries, and she has done them both proud.”

The producers of American Herro have signed a distribution deal with Twitc/TwitterFilms.com and with Netflix. Also, the film began airing on PBS: Prairie Public on July 9. It is being broadcast again on July 28, 2009, at 9 p.m., with additional broadcasts to follow in future months.

The story follows Kurdish-American woman, Herro Mustafa, who, 30-years after fleeing Iraq as a refugee with her family in 1976, and arriving in Minot, North Dakota, has the opportunity to return to Iraq. Through her family’s struggle in living the American Dream, Herro becomes a successful U.S. Diplomat traveling the world, working in an influential role in some of the most current events. Along with filmmaker Kirk Roos, Herro’s first childhood friend, Herro and her family relive and retrace their true immigrant tale in becoming American. American Herro speaks to the soul of all Americans and takes viewers on a journey that could only be borne by someone from such humble, yet dramatic beginnings.

Director/Producer Kirk Roos has been making films for over 10 years, “When we began filming in 2006 we had a few goals in mind for the film, and now we are very lucky to have exceeded those. It’s been an overwhelming experience to travel and share the Mustafa family’s story with some great audiences.” Roos said. Prairie Public’s (PBS) Executive Producer Bob Dambach added, “This is type of story that appeals to a broader audience, but has the added value of being about someone from this region

(North Dakota). It’s been a real pleasure to be a part of this project and we anticipate good things.”
The film will be shown in numerous domestic venues this year, with a focus on film festivals and universities, and will also travel abroad with screenings to be announced soon, including potential screenings in Iraq and London. The film is also going to be available on Netflix, as well.

For screening opportunities to or to learn more about the film’s progress go to: www.americanherro.org. CONTACT: Kirk Roos: kirk@comm-corps.com.

Here is an invitation to the event INVITATION

Tickets available at the Kennedy Center Box Office, charge by phone (202)467-4600, or www.kennedy-center.org