Kurdistan Film Commission Slemani comes to FOCUS London 2024
From arid landscapes to lush green mountains, Kurdistan is a playground for discovering some of the most film-worthy locations. This year at FOCUS London, the local
Kurdistan Film Commission Slemani will be on the show floor to meet you from 10-11 December to discuss how you can get involved with all the country has to offer.
“I seize every opportunity to share the message that Kurdistan is a culturally rich region known for its breathtaking landscapes, history, and culture,” comments founder and head of local Kurdistan Film Commission Slemani,
Bavi Yassin.
“As a newly established film commission in the MENA region, it is crucial for the world to learn about us and the diverse services we offer and to represent a positive image of our country—one that has often been overlooked in the media.”
2024 marks the film commission’s first presence at FOCUS London, a momentous occasion both for the local body and for FOCUS’ expansion of our global presence. With plans to launch their filming incentive for 2025, Kurdistan Film Commission Slemani are taking the steps to develop the local industry into a global force as well as an economic one for its local communities.
As the only city in the Kurdistan region of Iraq where local feature films are being produced for theatrical releases, Slemani is home to a thriving audio-visual industry, as well as being recognised by UNESCO as the City of Literature.
“Local talent, equipment, and production companies have effectively contributed to this small region’s economy,” comments Yassin.
“As a commission, we aim to strategically invest in these assets that we have. Our commission sets a professional infrastructure for the local industry to flourish within. This is done through our funding programs and intensive capacity-building programs to professionalise a sustainable film industry in Kurdistan for local talents and foreign productions seeking our country for their projects.”
“No friends but the mountains.” That is the motto Kurds are known by,” Yassin adds.
“What makes our cities so unique is that they can stand in precisely not just for the rest of Iraq but for countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and so on, making them an exciting location in the region. Among popular locations are The Red Prison Museum, Tuni Baba, Slemani Old Town and Dukan (lake), I believe for such a new film commission as ours; we have some exciting possibilities for foreign productions filming in our country, such as a wide variety of military equipment, forces and extras alongside free-of-charge locations, smooth visa and entry protocols and very cost-friendly production services.”
Come and meet
Kurdistan Film Commission Slemani at FOCUS London 2024 from 10-11 December at the Business Design Centre, Islington. They will also be hosting a reception for producers on Tuesday 11th December at 5pm. Details
HERE.
Register
HERE for your complimentary delegate pass.
