Meghachandra Kongbam, a distinguished film critic from Imphal, has been appointed to the FIPRESCI International Jury for the 12th Duhok International Film Festival 2025, which will take place from December 9 to 16 in Duhok, Iraq. He joins jury members Olivia Popp from Germany and Dr. Kovan Hussein Saado from Kurdistan, tasked with selecting the recipient of the prestigious International Critics’ FIPRESCI Prize. The festival is recognized for showcasing outstanding films that emphasize Kurdish culture and social issues while promoting a humanistic ethos through cinema. Kongbam expressed his enthusiasm for the role, highlighting his interest in political cinema and the cultural identity of the Kurdish people facing socio-political challenges in the region.
The Duhok International Film Festival serves as a significant platform in the Middle East for cultural expression and historical storytelling, particularly for Kurds who have historically faced oppression. Kongbam’s background includes receiving the Golden Lotus Award for Best Film Critic and having over four decades of experience in film criticism and academia.
Information was also provided about his fellow jury members: Olivia Popp is a film critic and writer pursuing an MA in Global Studies, while Dr. Saado has extensive media experience and teaches film-related subjects at the University of Silêmanî. Both bring valuable expertise to the jury, further enriching the festival’s prestigious recognition of cinematic artistry.
