Another International Appearance for Iranian Cinema

Iranian feature film Land of Angels, written and directed by Babak Khajehpasha and produced by Manouchehr Mohammadi, will compete in the sixth edition of the Slemani International Film Festival in Iraq.

Iranian feature film Land of Angels, written and directed by Babak Khajehpasha and produced by Manouchehr Mohammadi, will compete in the sixth edition of the Slemani International Film Festival in Iraq.
 

A Story of a Palestinian Woman and Gaza’s Children
Land of Angels tells the story of a Palestinian woman and a group of children in Gaza during wartime, focusing on their lives and the impact of conflict on children. Starring Syrian actress Sulaf Fawakherji, the film approaches the realities of war through the experiences of civilians, particularly children.

The film’s significance extends beyond its subject matter. Land of Angels won Best Film at the 44th Fajr Film Festival, one of Iran’s most important annual film events. Khajehpasha also received the jury’s special award for directing, while Fawakherji was recognized for her performance.

Held annually in Tehran, the Fajr Film Festival is one of Iran’s leading film events and a major platform for showcasing the country’s cinematic productions. Its main awards are known as the Crystal Simorgh awards.

Two Iranian Cinema Institutions Behind the Film
Land of Angels is jointly produced by Tasvir-e Shahr Institute and Soureh Cinema Organization. Tasvir-e Shahr, affiliated with the Tehran Municipality’s Art and Cultural Organization, is active in the production of and support for film and audiovisual projects.

Soureh Cinema Organization, affiliated with the Islamic Revolution Art Organization (Hozeh Honari), is involved in film production and distribution, as well as supporting cinematic projects and developing emerging talent.
Land of Angels previously screened at the 22nd Kazan International Festival of Muslim Cinema in Russia. Its selection for the Slemani festival marks another international festival appearance for the Iranian film.

At the Slemani International Film Festival
The sixth Slemani International Film Festival will be held in Sulaymaniyah, in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region. The festival’s official website presents the event as a platform for cinema, culture and international exchange, with the sixth edition centered on the theme “Human Dignity is the Dignity of Life.”
The festival says its program highlights films that promote empathy, human dignity and shared values,

describing cinema as a means of reflecting the value of human life.
The sixth edition of the festival will run from September 9 to 16, 2026, in Sulaymaniyah, with Land of Angels competing alongside the other selected films.

Following its success at the Fajr Film Festival and its screening at the Kazan International Festival of Muslim Cinema, the film’s selection for Slemani represents another international festival appearance for the Iranian production.