Late sun raking across the green rolling hills of the Kurdistan Region

All About Kurdistan Film Commission .

The Kurdistan Film Commission is the official Film Commission of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, dedicated to developing, promoting and internationally representing Kurdistan’s audiovisual industry.

The Commission operates under the umbrella of Creative Kurdistan, the independent institution established to represent, develop and advance the creative industries of the Kurdistan Region. Creative Kurdistan provides the wider institutional framework for the long-term development of the Region’s creative economy, bringing together industry development, funding, international representation, professional capacity and strategic partnerships.

Within this structure, the Kurdistan Film Commission serves as the bridge between Kurdistan and the global film industry — supporting national and international productions, developing local talent, promoting Kurdistan as a filmmaking destination and building lasting international partnerships.

For national and international productions looking to film in Kurdistan, the Kurdistan Film Commission is the official first point of contact, facilitating locations, filming permits, government coordination, local crew and production services, logistics, and on-the-ground support.

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Mission

Our mission is to build a strong and sustainable audiovisual ecosystem in Kurdistan and connect it with the world.

We promote Kurdistan as a filmmaking destination, showcase its locations and talent, support national and international productions, and open doors to collaboration, co-production and investment.

By connecting filmmakers, industry professionals, institutions and international partners, we work to make Kurdistan seen, strengthen the industry from within, and create lasting opportunities for its future.

A lit tent on a hillside above a valley town at dusk

Vision

Our vision is to build a sustainable, professional and internationally connected audiovisual industry in Kurdistan — one that creates opportunities, develops talent and establishes the foundations for long-term growth.

We envision a sector where Kurdish filmmakers and professionals can build lasting careers, where our stories are told through our own voices and perspectives, and where Kurdish cinema has a strong and recognised presence on the international stage.

By professionalising the sector and investing in its future, we aim to create an industry that is built in Kurdistan, connected to the world, and able to carry our stories far beyond our borders.

Team

Meet the dedicated team behind the Kurdistan Film Commission, bringing together expertise from Kurdistan and beyond.

Bavi Yassin, President and Chairperson

Bavi Yassin

President and Chairperson

Lina Amir, Executive Assistant

Lina Amir

Executive Assistant

Miran Mohammed Faraj, Chairperson’s Secretary

Miran Mohammed Faraj

Chairperson’s Secretary

Lania Abdellah, HR Manager

Lania Abdellah

HR Manager

There’s more people behind the scene.

Meet our team

Advisory Board

The Advisory Board brings together leading national and international professionals, providing expertise, insight and strategic guidance to the Kurdistan Film Commission.

John Rakich, President of Location Managers Guild International

John Rakich

President of Location Managers Guild International

Stijn Coninx, Belgian film director

Stijn Coninx

Belgian film director

Dr. Kosar Mohamed Ali, President of University of Sulaimani

Dr. Kosar Mohamed Ali

President of University of Sulaimani

Dr. Dilshad Mustafa Razawa, Assistant Prof. and Head of the Department of filmmaking in UoS

Dr. Dilshad Mustafa Razawa

Assistant Prof. and Head of the Department of filmmaking in UoS

Jeanette Volturno, Producer and founder of CatchLight Studios

Jeanette Volturno

Producer and founder of CatchLight Studios

There’s more people behind the scene.

Meet Advisory Board

Partners