The new film by Kurdish director Halkawt Mustafa, titled “No Paradise if you are killed by a woman,”achieved a historic success even before its official red-carpet premiere in Venice, with all screening tickets selling out in advance.
This production, representing Iraq for the Academy Award (Oscar) for Best International Feature Film, has attracted widespread attention from global media and international film distribution companies.
This international spotlight is particularly notable given that the Venice Film Festival is traditionally dominated by major European and American directors.
However, Halkawt Mustafa’s film secured its place in the festival’s packed schedule thanks to its realistic portrayal of the psychological dimensions of war.
The director noted that the unanimous selection of his film as Iraq’s Oscar representative generated massive media buzz.
He also expressed his immense joy that the movie is regarded as one of the most prominent productions at Venice this year.
Halkawt Mustafa has laid out a grand plan to launch his Oscar campaign starting October 1st.
However, he emphasizes that competing in Hollywood requires robust financial and logistical support. He called on both the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Iraqi Federal Government to assist in strengthening the film’s position in global competitions, noting that independent productions face immense challenges when competing against giant cinematic studios.
Artistically, the renowned Norwegian actor Thorbjørn Harr plays a leading role in the film.
The actor expressed his pride in participating in this Kurdish project, stating that the unique blend of action and psychological conflict sets the film apart from conventional war movies.
Harr added that after speaking with the director and grasping the soul of the work, he decided to join the cast without hesitation.
He described reaching both Venice and the Oscars as a massive achievement for the film’s cast and crew.
Following the conclusion of the Venice Film Festival, local audiences in the Kurdistan Region are expected to watch the film starting September 20.
It is scheduled to officially screen in cinemas across Erbil, Sulaimani, and Duhok, providing cinema lovers the opportunity to see the latest international masterpiece by this talented Kurdish director.