23rd edition November 20th to 28th, 2026
23rd edition
20 to 28 November, 2026
The late Kameran Hosni was a pioneering Iraqi filmmaker and one of the most prominent voices in the history of Iraqi cinema. Born in Iraq in 1927, he embraced realism and a strong human dimension in his works. His landmark film Saïd Effendi, which offers an authentic portrayal of the struggles of ordinary Baghdadis amid rapid social transformation, is considered a cornerstone of Iraqi cinema. Hosni continued his career with films including Marriage Project and Room No. 7, further cementing his status as a filmmaker committed to telling socially engaged stories. Hosni passed away in the United States in 2004, leaving behind a cinematic legacy that continues to inspire Arab and international filmmakers.
In the 1950s, Saïd Effendi, a schoolteacher, moves with his family to a new home in a modest neighborhood of Baghdad after being forced by his landlord to vacate his previous house. In his new residence, Saïd Effendi faces social challenges with his neighbor, Abdullah the cobbler. Conflicts arise between their children, leading to escalating tensions between the families. As the problems intensify, Saïd Effendi himself faces a difficult challenge: achieving balance between raising his children and maintaining good relations with his neighbors and not resorting to violence.
Director Kameran Hosni
Producer Kameran Hosni
Screenwriter Youssef Al-Ani, Nouri Al-Rawi
Cinematographer Alberto
Music Yousif Omar
Production Company Artists Union Company