“With great pride and honor, we continue our journey of success by launching the second edition of the Iraq International Youth Film Festival, following the remarkable achievements of the first edition, which proved to the world that the youth of Iraq are capable of creating innovation and excellence despite all challenges.

The first experience demonstrated that cinema is not merely an art, but rather a bridge for dialogue, a window for change, and a cultural message that carries Iraq’s deep identity and the ambitious voice of its youth to the world. Today, as we move forward with confidence toward a new edition, we reaffirm our commitment at the Ministry of Youth and Sports to supporting young talents and energies, empowering them, and providing spaces that embrace their creativity and enable them to compete at both the Arab and international levels.

The Iraq International Youth Film Festival is no longer just an event, but has become a shining landmark in the cultural and artistic scene, and a platform for reinforcing Iraq’s image as a nurturing ground for talent and a builder of the future. My deepest gratitude goes to all those who have supported and continue to support this pioneering cultural project. We hope that this edition will shine even brighter and pave the way for building a generation of Iraqi filmmakers who will leave their distinctive mark on the global cinematic landscape.”