Baghdad:Norwegian director of Iraqi Kurdish origin, Halkawt Mustafa, has disclosed details regarding the selection of his film for the 2027 Academy Awards.

According to Iraqi News Agency, Mustafa expressed immense pride and honor in representing Iraq at the Academy Awards with his film “No Paradise for a Woman Who Kills.” He highlighted that the film’s selection for the 99th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category was made by the Iraqi National Committee, created by the Ministry of Culture’s Cinema and Theatre Department.

Mustafa explained that the film was chosen due to its artistic quality and cohesive cinematic vision, especially in direction, cinematography, and technical elements. The film portrays a local story with universal human dimensions, focusing on women’s courage and emotions rooted in reality.

The director recounted his experiences as a war photographer in 2014, witnessing women fighting against ISIS with remarkable bravery. This inspired the film’s narrative, aiming to showcase the courage he observed firsthand. The casting process for the lead role was extensive, taking two years to find an actress who could embody the character’s strength and humanity.

Mustafa emphasized the importance of cinema in changing societal perceptions, allowing audiences to recognize the determination and capabilities of women, especially in societies where their participation in decision-making is limited.