Iranian Cinematographer Touraj Aslani Joins Jury for 3rd Amed Film Festival

Iranian cinematographer Touraj Aslani is set to make his mark as a jury member at the highly anticipated 3rd Amed Film Festival, scheduled to take place from December 7 to 14 in Diyarbakır, Turkey. This festival marks its return after an eight-year hiatus and is poised to celebrate Kurdish and international cinema.

Aslani, who has gained recognition for his exceptional work in the film industry, will be one of five jurors in the Kurdish Feature Films section. The festival will showcase an impressive lineup of 84 films, alongside workshops, a project fund, and a special exhibition honoring the renowned film director and screenwriter Yılmaz Güney and his iconic film “Yol.”

In addition to his judging duties, Aslani will conduct a masterclass titled “Between Seeing and Recognizing,” sharing his expertise with aspiring filmmakers and cinematographers.

Born in Kermanshah Province, Touraj Aslani, now 51, pursued film directing at Soore University in Tehran. His career began at the young age of 25, making him the youngest professional photographer in the Iranian film industry. With more than 100 films to his credit, Aslani has garnered numerous prestigious awards from across the globe.

Aslani’s contributions extend beyond cinematography; he also serves as a director, investor, executive manager, and producer in both documentary and fiction films. His extensive involvement in the film community includes acting as a judge at esteemed film and photography festivals, as well as organizing various workshops focused on photography and cinematography.

Notably, Aslani is the founder of Maad Movie Company and Maad Film School, the first institution in Iran to offer specialized courses in cinematography.

Transitioning into directing, Aslani has made a name for himself with feature films such as:

• Jingo (2014)
• Gold Carrier (2018)
• Landless (2020)

These films have been screened at various international festivals, further establishing his reputation in the industry.

The Amed Film Festival was founded in 2012 through the collaborative efforts of the Amed Municipality and the Middle East Film Academy. Since its inception, the festival has aimed to provide a platform for independent filmmakers, especially those from the Kurdish region. It emphasizes creativity beyond industrial and political limitations, focusing on feminist, ecological, and democratic approaches to cinema that promote resistance and self-empowerment.

This mission has attracted filmmakers from Kurdistan, West Asia, and beyond, with the first two editions of the festival showcasing artists who challenge both aesthetic and social boundaries.

The festival’s national section, titled The Journey of Kurdish Cinema, will display:

• 16 feature films
• 7 documentaries
• 13 short films

Many of these films have already received accolades or have been featured in other film festivals.

The international selection will include:

• 10 feature films
• 11 documentaries
• 14 short films

This selection will spotlight works from Turkey and around the world, complemented by discussions with film crews and masterclasses, including a session with director Kazım Öz on “Directing in Film.”

Another highlight of the festival is the Sînebîr Project Fund, which will award prizes to 15 film projects (five feature films, five documentaries, and five short film scripts). This initiative aims to enhance the visibility of Kurdish narratives and provide support to young filmmakers. The winners will be announced at the festival’s conclusion.

To enrich the festival experience, three thematic workshops will also be offered:

• Arîn Înan Arslan: Discusses Kurdish cinema as the “camera-less center of a fragmented geography.”
• Hülya Uğur Tanrıöver: Explores women and narrative forms in film.
• Ayşe Çetinbaş: Examines the production of independent documentaries.

With such a rich program, the Amed Film Festival promises to be a significant event for filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts alike.