Iraq has officially chosen the film ‘No Paradise If You Are Killed By A Woman’ for the Oscar race, marking a significant entry in the international category.
Iraq has selected the film No Paradise If You Are Killed By A Woman, directed by Halkawt Mustafa, as its official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards. This announcement was reported by Deadline on September 4, 2026, just ahead of the film’s world premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
Halkawt Mustafa, a Norwegian-Kurdish filmmaker, focuses on the harrowing journey of female Peshmerga sniper Vyan, played by Avan Jamal. Her mission takes her to Mosul with the goal of rescuing her younger sister from ISIS, providing a powerful narrative driven by themes of resilience and survival. The film also features Thorbjørn Harr, Kanar Sarchl, and Kader Jalal in significant roles.
Mustafa's cinematic vision is informed by personal experience; he was born in Iraqi Kurdistan and fled to Norway as a child. He expressed a desire to honor the bravery of women who fought against violence in a region plagued by conflict. This film is not his first Oscar submission; he previously directed The Classic, Iraq’s entry for the Academy Awards in 2016.
The Iraqi National Selection Committee for the Academy Awards reached a unanimous decision in favor of this film, highlighting its artistic merits and emotional depth. The committee emphasized that they conducted a thorough evaluation of all eligible submissions, commending the film's directorial prowess and technical sophistication.
The choice comes after a more successful awards season for Iraq, notably with The President's Cake, directed by Hasan Hadi, which garnered significant accolades and attention. That film was Iraq's first feature to make it to the Oscar shortlist in December, paving the way for No Paradise If You Are Killed By A Woman to step into the spotlight.
Selecting a film like No Paradise If You Are Killed By A Woman encapsulates Iraq's ongoing efforts to showcase its cultural narratives on global platforms. The film aims to highlight the complex experiences of Iraqi women and their roles in the fight against extremism. This perspective is increasingly relevant as international audiences seek authentic stories that depict resilience in the face of adversity.
As the film makes its debut at the Venice Film Festival, it will not only aim to compete for the Oscar but also raise awareness about the real-life struggles faced by women in conflict zones, potentially resonating with a diverse audience and promoting dialogue around these critical issues.
The submission of No Paradise If You Are Killed By A Woman reflects Iraq's commitment to participating in the international film landscape. The film's themes and gripping narrative are poised to resonate with audiences and critics alike as it approaches its festival premiere. The broader implications of its selection may inspire more stories from the Middle East to be shared, further enriching global cinema and fostering understanding through storytelling.
For more on related films, check out our coverage on Cédric Kahn’s 'A Place to Heal' and Nanni Moretti's 'It Will Happen Tonight'.
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