A mother, having survived her family’s massacre under Taliban rule in Afghanistan, disguises herself as a man to locate her missing son.

The film, with its gritty cinematography and nuanced editing, deftly places contemporary global issues within the context of Leila’s journey, such as war, oppression of women and the marginalized, gender, sex trafficking, and child abuse.  The film is a testament to hope, resistance to tyranny, and the power of profoundly human networks working together. “Cinema Jazireh” has the exceptional potential to make the audience care about what is happening in the world.

Festivals

The Ecumenical Jury at Karlovy Vary 2025 awarded their Prize to "Rebuilding", directed by Max Walker-Silverman and a Commendation to "Cinema Jazireh", directed by Gözde Kuran. The the Crystal Globe went to the documentary "Better Go Mad in the Wild", directed by Miro Remo.

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