Baghdad – Iraq’s Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities, Ahmed Fakak Al-Badrani, has unveiled a landmark cultural initiative backed by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani to rejuvenate the country’s film sector. The new grant, amounting to 5.17 billion Iraqi dinars (approximately $4 million USD), is the centerpiece of the “Iraqi Cinema Initiative,” aimed at reviving filmmaking across the nation.
The announcement took place on April 21 during a cultural gathering in Baghdad, where officials, artists, and cultural advisors joined to celebrate the initiative. Minister Al-Badrani expressed appreciation for the Prime Minister’s support of Iraq’s artistic community and cinematic heritage.
Following a rigorous nine-month evaluation process, 86 film projects—including narrative features, documentaries, shorts, and post-production efforts—were selected from over 370 submissions nationwide. Among the chosen works are films that will represent Iraq on the global stage, including at the Cannes Film Festival.
The initiative seeks to nurture emerging filmmakers, encourage storytelling that reflects Iraq’s diverse realities, and position Iraqi cinema as a vibrant voice in international film culture. With this move, Iraq signals its intent to restore and elevate its creative industries through sustained cultural investment.
