3rd edition

Program of the 3rd edition

Five days in Baghdad of screenings, competitions, workshops and talks, closing with the Golden Obelisk awards ceremony.

Baghdad, Iraq · 6 April – 10 April 2027

Key dates

The road to Baghdad

01
Submissions open
Register films through the official form on this site.
02
Submissions close
31 December 2026
03
Results announced
February 2027
All applicants notified by the registered email.
04
Screening copies due
1 March 2027
Final screening copies and KDM keys for selected films.
05
Festival days
6 April – 10 April 2027
Baghdad, Iraq.

Outline

The detailed screening schedule and venues are announced once film selection is complete.

Day 1
6 April 2027
Opening ceremony
Opening of the 3rd edition, presentation of the juries, and the opening film.
Day 2
7 April 2027
Official competition screenings
Short narrative competition screenings and Q&As with the filmmakers.
Day 3
8 April 2027
Documentary and animation
Short documentary and short animation competition screenings, plus a workshop.
Day 4
9 April 2027
Official program and talks
Out-of-competition official program screenings and talks with experts.
Day 5
10 April 2027
Closing and awards ceremony
Announcement of the winners and presentation of the Golden Obelisk awards.

Sections

Short film: up to 30 minutes.

01
Short Narrative Film Competition
Short narrative films with new visions and moving human stories.
02
Short Documentary Film Competition
Short documentaries that see reality through a young, bold eye.
03
Short Animation Film Competition
Short animation films in every technique and style.
04
Official Program – Out of Competition
Selected films shown out of competition in the official program.

Awards

The jury presents the Golden Obelisk, an award certificate and a cash prize in the following categories:

Submissions are open until 31 December 2026.