Sahim Omar Kalifa

A master storyteller of the Middle East, Sahim Omar Kalifa was born in 1980 in Zakho, Iraq, and has been actively directing films since the mid-2000s. Known for his deeply affecting dramas, his most notable works include "Land of the Heroes" and "Baghdad Messi," both of which have garnered significant recognition, including a nomination for Best Short Film at the 2012 European Film Awards for the former. Kalifa's authorial style is characterized by its authentic portrayal of Middle Eastern culture and its poignant exploration of human resilience in the face of adversity. Sahim Omar Kalifa, with his rare ability to capture the essence of the human spirit in his films, brings the struggles and triumphs of his homeland to the global stage.