The artistic short film My Paper Boat (Beleme Kagheziyekem), which weaves a profound narrative filled with compelling imagery, has shined among dozens of international productions.
The film secured the award for “Best Visual Effects” at the Independent Film Awards in the United Kingdom, marking a new milestone for the Kurdish cinematic movement.
Hozan Sherzad, the writer and director of the film, noted that the production phase began in early 2025.
He explained that this success is not merely a testament to directorial skill, but the result of dedicated teamwork, where artists and experts from various fields collaborated with a deep sense of responsibility to bring this creative vision to life.
A central and symbolic element of the film’s narrative—the paper boat itself—was crafted by Chalak Latif and Ali Nawzad.
These two artists spent four days of tireless effort to construct the boat, followed by several more days meticulously arranging the decor and intricate film requirements.
Those days became a source of shared experience, fond memories, and unparalleled cooperation for the entire crew.
Regarding the international competition, the director stated that the film was selected from over 60 entries from across the globe.
After a rigorous evaluation by the jury, winners were chosen in eight categories.
My Paper Boat was rightfully awarded Best Visual Effects for its meticulous detail, innovation, and the hard work of the visual team.
Hozan Sherzad emphasized that for the team, this accolade is not just a title; it is clear evidence that through rigorous and sincere work, Kurdish productions can secure their rightful place on the international stage. He expressed his joy in being able to contribute, in his own way, to the growth of Kurdish cinema and to leave a lasting impact.
My Paper Boat, written and directed by Hozan Sherzad, has previously received warm acclaim and achieved significant success at both local and regional levels.
The film has secured prestigious awards at the 5th Sulaymaniyah International Film Festival and the Iraqi Youth International Film Festival, further demonstrating the crew’s consistent commitment to delivering humanitarian and artistic messages to audiences worldwide.