Overview

Fiery Father explores the symbolism surrounding the eponymous natural fire Baba Gurgur (Kurdish for ‘fiery father’), specifically the mythical and political importance it holds in Kurdish culture. Against the backdrop of the daf drum, the formation of crude oil becomes synonymous with Kurdish dancing (halparkeh), creating a landscape where Kurdish spirit is the embodiment of its disputed land, defiance and joy. 
 
The film was presented as part of Wahid’s solo exhibition Newroz at Sophie Tappeiner, Vienna (2019). 

Screening Information

Fiery Father (2018)
Director: Jala Wahid
United Kingdom
Experimental | 7 minutes
No dialogue with English and Kurdish subtitles

This film is part of Ghosts of Songs: Oral Histories in MENA Female Cinema, the second programme in a series of online screenings presented by Sharjah Art Foundation in collaboration with Habibi Collective.

A link to the screening and details about the full programme, which will be livestreamed at 8:30 pm on 12 June 2020, can be found here.