Baghdad Film Institute and 1001 announce strategic partnership at Cannes
By joining forces, the two entities plan to create new avenues for funding, development, production, and distribution of Iraqi stories.
Iraq's film industry has marked a significant milestone at the 78th Cannes Film Festival with the announcement of a landmark partnership between the Baghdad Film Institute (BFI) and 1001, the country's premier digital streaming platform. The collaboration, revealed on the global stage in Cannes, represents a major step in revitalising Iraq's cinematic landscape and promoting its stories to international audiences, according to a report by Iraqi News.
The new alliance aims to strengthen the infrastructure for film production in Iraq, nurture emerging talent, and open doors for cross-border collaborations. By working together, BFI and 1001 plan to ensure that Iraqi filmmakers gain greater visibility, both domestically and globally, as part of a broader effort to re-establish Iraq as a creative force in world cinema.
The partnership was announced during a year of growing momentum for Iraqi film, and 1001 further cemented its commitment by serving as the official sponsor of the Iraq Pavilion at Cannes—marking the country's most prominent presence at the festival to date. The Pavilion was co-sponsored by Baghdad's VOMAX Cinemas and Iraq's International Development Bank, and organised by the Iraqi Film Fund. It provided a vital platform for networking, cultural exchange, and showcasing the depth of Iraq's creative talent.
A historic highlight of the festival came with the inclusion of filmmaker Hassan Hadi, who became the first Iraqi director to be officially selected for the Cannes Film Festival. His recognition not only celebrated his individual achievement but also symbolised the rising global stature of Iraqi filmmakers and the promise of a new era for the nation's film industry.
Institutions like the Baghdad Film Institute, a non-profit dedicated to training and production, and 1001, with its wide-reaching digital platform, are playing a central role in driving this cinematic revival. Supporting venues such as Iraqi Cinema in Baghdad are also contributing to the reawakening of local film culture by providing space for screenings and audience engagement.
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