The Kurdish documentary Life After Freedom, directed by filmmaker Shamal Hussein, has officially been selected to compete at the Ahmedabad International Film Festival (AIFF) in India.
Following successful screenings in the United States, the documentary is continuing its international journey, marking another significant step for Kurdish cinema on the global festival circuit.
The 2026 edition of the Ahmedabad International Film Festival will take place over three days. According to the festival program, screenings of the selected films are scheduled for September 30 and October 1, with Life After Freedom among the participating productions.
The festival will conclude on October 2, 2026, with a special awards ceremony honoring the winning films. This year’s edition is organized by Rainbow Events and Om Guru Films.
Speaking to the Kurdistan Diaspora Confederation’s website, director Shamal Hussein said the 22-minute documentary tells a compelling human story centered on young Kurdish Yazidis rebuilding their lives after being freed from ISIS captivity.
The documentary explores their determination to begin a new chapter through marriage and building families, despite the profound psychological trauma, suffering and hardships they endured in the past.
Through Life After Freedom, Hussein brings international attention to the human and social experiences of those who have survived war and persecution. Rather than focusing solely on their suffering, the documentary highlights their resilience, their determination to move forward and their efforts to rebuild a sense of normality after years of trauma.
The film’s selection for the Ahmedabad International Film Festival, following its screenings in the United States, represents another international milestone for Kurdish cinema.
Through the universal language of film, Life After Freedom carries a message of peace, resilience and renewal, bringing the experiences of Kurdish Yazidi survivors to audiences beyond Kurdistan and giving international viewers a deeper understanding of their journey toward rebuilding their lives.