Jiyan's blog

Jiyan is the first and only narrative film made about the chemical attack on Halabja. The film takes place five years after the attack when ex-patriot, Diyari, returns from the USA to build an orphanage. He meets a colorful bunch of townspeople who, despite their bruises, struggle to rebuild their town and along with it, their dreams for a better future.























As described by numerous critics, Jiyan is a sweet, memorable and life-affirming film that will make you laugh and cry at the same time. Ratings: Four Stars by the Guardian, The Observer and BBC World.

Awards: Original Selection, Tiger Competition, 31st Int'l Film Festival Rotterdam; Special Jury Award, New Directors Showcase, 28th Seattle Int'l Film Festival; Dolphin Award, 18th Int'l Film Festival FesTroia, Setubal, Portugal; Popular Jury Award, Rights to Have Rights Film Festival, Modena, Italy; Honorable Mention - In The Spirit of Freedom, 19th Jerusalem Film Festival.