The first Nineveh International Film Festival concluded on Saturday with the participation of Iraqi, Arab, and international artists. The final day of the festival featured a variety of cultural activities, including traditional dances, dabkehs, and a fashion show, while 20 films competed for awards.
Jawad Al-Shakarji, the president of the festival, stated that the event was an important first step towards developing Iraq’s film industry and connecting with international cinema. He highlighted the challenges of organizing the festival in just under two months but praised the team’s effort in making it a success. Al-Shakarji expressed hopes for future editions, aiming to improve the quality of films and attract guests from across the world, including Europe, Africa, and the Arab world.
Al-Shakarji also stressed that this first session is just the beginning, with the goal of growing the festival into a major cinematic platform that showcases Iraq’s rich cultural and artistic heritage.
Mahdi Abbas, a film critic and the head of the festival’s jury, described the event as a joyful celebration for Mosul. He noted that the festival not only showcased films but also highlighted the city’s recovery and ongoing rebuilding efforts. Abbas emphasized that the festival reflected a positive image of Mosul’s current reality, with the city welcoming visitors with enthusiasm.
Abbas also expressed his belief that Mosul has the potential to host its own film festival in the future. He praised the 20 films selected from 398 submissions, recognizing their artistic and thematic value, and congratulated the winners for their outstanding contributions.
