Arts
The Iraqi National Committee for selecting the film representing Iraq at the Academy Awards (Oscars), formed by the Ministry of Culture – Cinema and Theatre Department, has chosen the feature film "No Paradise If You Are Killed by a Woman" by director Halkawt Mustafa. The film will officially represent Iraq in the Oscar race, competing in the Best International Feature Film category. The Committee’s unanimous decision followed a comprehensive technical evaluation of eligible works. The selection was based on the directorial vision's maturity and integrated technical and visual elements, creating a cinematic experience that reflects local narrative specificity and human depth, qualifying it for international competition. This announcement precedes the film's world premiere at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival (Sept 2-12), where it screens in the "Venice Open" section, outside official competition. Director Halkawt Mustafa drew inspiration for the film from encounters with female Peshmerga snipers in 2014, when women began confronting ISIS attacks on front lines. The plot revolves around "Vian," a Kurdish sniper (portrayed by actress Avan Jamal), who journeys to Mosul to rescue her younger sister from ISIS's grasp, facing violence and psychological impacts. The story is personal for Mustafa, who fled to Norway as a child, emphasizing his aim to honor women who fought darkness for freedom. He previously covered Kurdish female fighters in his 2015 documentary "The Women ISIS Fears." Filming took place in authentic Mosul locations to maximize realism. This achievement follows Mustafa’s previous successes, including the documentary "Hiding Saddam Hussein" and the film "El Clásico," which represented Iraq at the Oscars in 2016. The film stars Avan Jamal, Thorbjørn Harr, Kanar Sarshel, and Kader Jalal. Mustafa wrote and directed it, while Henie Films produced in partnership with La Media and The Chimney Pot, with True Colors handling international sales.
