Debates on Freedom, Extremism, and Artistic Empowerment
The inaugural edition of the International Women’s Film Festival (IWFF) The Hague, organized by the Mesopotamia Foundation, officially concluded this weekend, coinciding with International Women's Day. The festival established itself not only as a cinematic showcase but as a vital intellectual and educational platform, fostering deep dialogues and creative workshops that engaged a diverse audience in the city of Peace and Justice.
The panel discussions following the screenings served as the festival’s core, tackling pressing issues facing women today. Central to these debates was "a woman’s right to choose her own lifestyle," viewed as a fundamental pillar of human rights. Participants also focused on "women in the face of religious extremism," exploring how cinema acts as a tool for intellectual resistance against ideologies that seek to marginalize women or restrict their personal freedoms.
The cultural program was further enriched by lectures from prominent figures in thought and civil activism:
Beyond the screen, the festival emphasized practical artistic engagement. A series of poetry and painting workshops saw significant success, with more than 50 participants benefiting from the sessions. These workshops offered a free space for attendees to exchange experiences and express women’s issues through the brush and the word, bridging the gap between professional artists and the local community.
In the competitive category, Iranian director Ahmadreza Alinejad was awarded the Grand Prize, while lead actress Farnoosh Lotfali took home the Best Actress award for her compelling performance. The Moroccan film "The House of the Heights", directed by Mohamed Gara, won Best Director, and Egyptian star Majdi Kamel was named Best Actor for his role in the film "Echo", directed by Dr. Azza Kamel.
The winners were selected by an international jury comprising: Dr. Jinan Al-Issa (Oman), Dr. Souad Zribi (Tunisia), and filmmaker Fatine Khalkhal (Morocco).
Festival Director Khadija Bouachrine noted that the success of this founding edition—supported by Fonds 1818 and in cooperation with West Den Haag and Smith Communicatie—sets a high standard for the festival’s future. She emphasized the festival's commitment to evolving as a hub for art, thought, and creative training.
The closing ceremony featured moving contributions from various poets and artists, including the Palestinian-Syrian poet and painter Huda Deeban, whose presence underscored the synergy between literature and visual arts in championing justice and human dignity.