Iraq has taken a significant step towards preserving its cinematic heritage with the launch of the Cinémathèque Iraq project, a national initiative aimed at digitizing, restoring, and protecting Iraqi film archives. The project was officially announced during an event at the French Institute in Baghdad, attended by Iraqi filmmakers, artists, and cultural figures.
Under the supervision of the Iraqi Visual Memory Committee in the Prime Minister’s Office, the project is being developed in collaboration with the French Embassy in Iraq, with the goal of reviving Iraq’s film industry and ensuring that its rich cinematic history is accessible to future generations.
A mission to restore and preserve Iraqi cinema
Project director Warith Kweish emphasized the initiative’s importance, stating:
“Cinémathèque Iraq aims to restore and preserve more than 100 Iraqi films by training local experts in film archiving and preservation. The project also includes building specialized infrastructure in Iraq for film storage and restoration, ensuring that our visual history is safeguarded using advanced digitization techniques.”
Kweish highlighted that the project’s long-term vision is to make Iraq’s cinematic heritage available to a global audience, showcasing the country’s rich film history on both Arab and international platforms.
Classic Iraqi films undergo restoration
As part of the first phase of the project, two of Iraq’s most iconic films have been selected for restoration and digitization:
“Saeed Afandi” (1957) – One of the most influential films in Iraqi cinema, has arrived in Paris for restoration using modern digital techniques. The film is expected to be screened at the Cannes Film Festival, marking the first time an Iraqi film is featured at the prestigious event.
“Aliya and Issam” – A classic romantic drama is currently undergoing restoration to prepare it for cinematic screenings in Iraq and abroad.
French Ambassador Patrick Durel, who attended the launch, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating:
“We are proud to collaborate with Iraq on this cultural initiative. This project is a crucial step toward preserving Iraq’s cinematic legacy and sharing its stories with the world.”
Building a strong foundation for Iraq’s film industry
Beyond archiving and restoration, Cinémathèque Iraq is envisioned as a comprehensive initiative to develop the country’s film industry. Filmmaker Jamal Amin, who has been involved in the project, explained:
“This initiative aims to establish a strong cinematic foundation in Iraq by supporting filmmakers and enhancing industry infrastructure. Our goal is to create a sustainable film ecosystem that includes training, production, and international collaboration.”
The project seeks to attract local and international investment in Iraqi cinema, providing grants for film projects and facilitating the growth of Iraq’s independent film industry.
Future expansion and international cooperation
Filmmaker Falah al-Azzawi highlighted the project’s potential for international partnerships, stating that Cinémathèque Iraq will expand its reach by:
Collaborating with global film institutions to gain expertise in film preservation.
Encouraging private-sector participation to support Iraq’s film industry.
Establishing cultural exchange programs with international filmmakers.
According to Prime Ministerial Advisor Hassan al-Sudani, the government plans to expand the initiative beyond cinema, with upcoming projects focused on restoring Iraq’s television and radio archives.
The launch event was also attended by prominent cultural figures, including the head of the Iraqi Artists’ Syndicate, Jabbar Joudi, and the director of the Department of Cinema and Theater. They praised the project as a landmark effort to protect Iraq’s artistic and cinematic history.
A new era for Iraqi cinema
With the Cinémathèque Iraq initiative, Iraq is positioning itself as a key player in regional cinema, working towards preserving its cinematic past while building a future for Iraqi filmmakers. As the country embraces digital restoration and industry development, it is opening doors for global recognition and participation in international film festivals.
Through this initiative, Iraq is not only reclaiming its cinematic heritage but also laying the groundwork for a thriving film industry that can compete on the global stage.
source/content: iraqinews.com (headline edited)
__________
Cinémathèque Iraq Initiative Pannel Discussion
_________
IRAQ