Iraq has officially chosen ‘No Paradise If You Are Killed by a Woman’ by Halkawt Mustafa as its contender for the Best International Feature at the Oscars.
Iraq has officially selected No Paradise If You Are Killed by a Woman, directed by Halkawt Mustafa, as its contender for the Best International Feature at the 2027 Academy Awards. This announcement was made on September 6, 2026, by Iraq's National Selection Committee, mandated by the state ministry of culture.
No Paradise If You Are Killed by a Woman follows the story of Vyan, a Kurdish sniper portrayed by Avan Jamal. The film centers on her return to Mosul as she seeks to rescue her younger sister, who has been missing since the ISIS assault in 2014. The narrative explores themes of emotional suppression and resilience amid war, highlighting the complexities faced by female Kurdish fighters. In addition to Jamal, the film also features Norwegian actor Thorbjørn Harr, along with Kanar Sarchl and Kader Jalal in supporting roles.
The film was chosen unanimously by Iraq's National Selection Committee, emphasizing the cultural importance and relevance of Mustafa's work. Previously, Mustafa has engaged audiences with his documentaries that focus on Iraq's tumultuous history and its people, including films like Hiding Saddam Hussein and The Women ISIS Fears. His latest work is produced by Hene Films in collaboration with La Media and The Chimney Pot, with international sales managed by True Colours.
The film is particularly notable for being filmed on location in Mosul, bringing authenticity to its narrative. Mustafa's inspiration for the film draws from his encounters with female Peshmerga fighters during frontline battles against ISIS in 2014, illustrating the sacrifices and bravery of Kurdish women in conflict.
No Paradise If You Are Killed by a Woman is set to premiere out of competition at the Venice Film Festival. This prestigious platform provides an opportunity for the film to gain international exposure ahead of the Oscar nominations.
Following its premiere, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will release the shortlist of 15 films for the Best International Feature category on December 15, 2026. The final five nominees will be announced on January 21, 2027, leading up to the 99th Academy Awards ceremony scheduled for March 14, 2027.
The selection of No Paradise If You Are Killed by a Woman underscores Iraq's ongoing commitment to promoting its cinematic storytelling on the global stage. Given the film's powerful themes and the director's background, this announcement is likely to resonate not only with Academy voters but also with audiences seeking authentic narratives of women's experiences in conflict zones. The film's presence at the Venice Film Festival may further invigorate discussions around female representation and resilience, making it a significant entry in the Oscars race.
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