With the NUHAT project, the Goethe-Institut Iraq in cooperation with the Duhok IFF contributes to strengthening the capacities of young emerging filmmakers. The project aims to support the development of crisis-proof models for film production in the long term. In a tensive training program, filmmakers from across the Kurdistan region and Iraq are invited to develop their skills in directing, script writing, cinematography and screenwriting. The program culminates in a week-long classroom workshop at Duhok IFF, where participants develop their own project ideas into mature film productions in collaboration with other participants. The project ideas are pitched to a jury and the best ideas are selected for seed funding by Duhok IFF and the Goethe Institut-Irak.

In a unique way, “Nuhat” brings a new concept to support young filmmakers who have been affected by the pandemic, offering them capacity building workshops, financial support and networking opportunities, where they can find their potential job market, as well as a hub where they can all connect, share their ideas and apply them in reality.

The program brings new dimensions to the cinema-going experience, giving a chance to the local youth to develop and sharpen their existing skills and maintain their network and existence with the platform Duhok IFF provides. This is important as the entire event is closely linked to the festival sections. The program also aims to offer the talents a chance to learn under professional mentoring, develop their skills orally or in writing, meet and discover young talent alike, and offer them an opportunity to convert their ideas to projects.