Conclusion of the First Conference of Rojava Filmmakers with the approval of a committee paving the way for the establishment of a union bringing together workers in the sector

The First Conference of Rojava Filmmakers concluded its work in the city of Qamishlo, following three days of intellectual and professional discussions, with the approval of the formation of a founding committee to pave the way for establishing a union comprising Rojava’s filmmakers, aiming to organize and develop filmmaking work and protect the rights of its workers.

More than one hundred filmmakers from Rojava participated in the conference, which was held from July 24 to 26 under the slogan “Towards a Modern Cinema,” alongside Kurdish filmmakers from other parts of Kurdistan.

Over the course of three days, participants discussed the reality of Kurdish cinema in Rojava, its identity, its relationship with society, and the role of women in the sector. In addition, they addressed issues of training, production, post-production, filmmakers’ rights, and mechanisms for developing cooperation with cinematic institutions inside and outside Syria.

At the conclusion of the conference, participants voted on forming a temporary committee of five members to follow up on the implementation of its outcomes and draft the internal regulations (bylaws) for the union intended to be established. Among its members are Diyar Hesso, Rashid Mohamed, and Sefinaz Evdike.

The final statement read:

“Our stories are our identity, and through shared cinema, we can make our stories immortal. We, the filmmakers of Rojava, gathered on July 24, 25, and 26 in a film conference under the slogan ‘Towards a Modern Cinema,’ evaluated the general reality of Kurdish cinema in Rojava, and reached important conclusions.

The month of July is considered very important to us because the July 19 Revolution was launched in it, opening the way for us in various spheres of life. Between 2012 and 2015, as in any other field, extensive discussions took place regarding cinema as well. As a result, the Rojava Film Commune (Komîna Filim a Rojava) was re-founded in July 2015. This institution has continued its filmmaking work and activities uninterrupted for 11 years, and day by day, the number of filmmakers, their activities, and their institutions increased. Educational institutions were established, festivals were organized, and our stories were told through films. Over these 11 years, a solid infrastructure for this field was formed.

Based on this foundation, the need emerged for a new step in the field of cinema. For this purpose, it was necessary for all Rojava filmmakers to meet to evaluate and discuss the reality and future of cinema in the region. Accordingly, the ‘Rojava Filmmakers Conference’ was held under the slogan ‘Towards a Modern Cinema.’

In this conference, the harvest and experience of 11 years were discussed. Over two days, very extensive discussions took place. On the first agenda item, the identity and mission of cinematic art, the connection between the Kurdish issue and cinema, the relationship between society and cinema, the issue of women and cinema, and in general, the intellectual and thematic issues of Rojava cinema were discussed.

On the second agenda item, the problems of Kurdish cinema and cinematic practice in Rojava, the status of cinema education, production and post-production, the status of festivals and film screenings, and in general all practical problems facing cinema were discussed in detail.

On the third agenda item, the need to establish a broader system and enhance institutionalization and organization was discussed. In this section, the necessity of establishing the ‘Rojava Filmmakers Union’ was emphasized.

On the fourth agenda item, the topic of Rojava cinema’s relations was discussed. In general, how should the relations of Rojava filmmakers be with the Rojava administration, with Syria, with other parts of Kurdistan, and with the world of cinema? Extensive discussions were conducted to answer these questions.

As a result, the fundamental principles upon which Rojava cinema will unite are: that our cinema be a free and modern cinema based on the values of women’s freedom, rooted in the knowledge of its society, taking self-existence as its foundation, and protecting and working to develop the values of democracy, pluralism, and cultural diversity; and that it be a true, honest, and vibrant cinema.

It also became clearly evident that the difficulties, problems, and obstacles facing the completion of cinematic works are numerous. However, the truth is that despite all these obstacles, greater works must be accomplished. We are confident that we will work together to increase film production, expand the scope of film screenings, and strengthen and develop cinema education. For this reason, the need arises to build broader foundations and infrastructure for cinema. To achieve this, strengthening this field through continuous struggle, work, and activity is a primary duty that falls upon us as filmmakers.

In order for all these goals to be realized in an organized manner, a great need arises for unification and organization; that is, an organization that brings all filmmakers together under one umbrella, protects their rights, facilitates cinematic works, and serves as a supporter and developer for them. To establish this umbrella institution for cinema, a founding committee will be elected to undertake this task and work on drafting the internal regulations for this institution. In the coming days, at the appropriate time, these regulations will be discussed by the conference members, and after their approval, this institution will be announced to begin its work.

In this way, we will take our place with our identity within Syrian cinema, seek exchange and communication with filmmakers worldwide, and aim to develop solidarity among Kurdish filmmakers in all parts of Kurdistan.

For the first time in Rojava, more than one hundred filmmakers gathered in a cinematic conference that discussed, through an extensive agenda, cinema issues and problems. This conference has raised our hopes for developing cinema in Rojava and Kurdistan, clarified our vision for the future, and outlined the path to success and growth. Thereby, a new calendar and a new agenda are being drawn for cinema and the filmmakers of Rojava.”

photo: ANHA

Note: This text is translated from the original Arabic version… Read the Arabic version: Click here