Synopsis: The Sorrowful River is that artificial border that drew a line between an art connoisseur, a singer, and his country. The government of Iran has been oppressing the Kurds of East Kurdistan for many years in their land, for demanding their right to freedom and patriotism. They punish Kurds with the death penalty in prisons. Mesto Dadar Mukre was a victim of the regime and fled abroad because of the Kurdish issue and patriotism. He has been unable to return to his homeland for 36 years and is under threat from the Iranian government. Dadar, after 36 years of hopelessness of returning to his homeland, decides to return to the border that the Iranian and Iraqi governments have created and separated South Kurdistan from East Kurdistan through this documentary. Dadar sings for his country from the border. As he says, since he cannot return to his country, he will send his voice back to his homeland through the valleys and mountains. Mesto Dadar Mukre is one of the most famous singers from East Kurdistan, and he has been fighting for his art for many years. Dadar trained his voice and vocal range very well. During his artistic career, he has constantly tried to lead the creation of Kurdish opera through his influential voice, and he hasn’t stopped trying. Dadar fights with his soul for the survival of Kurdish culture and art, which are verbal narratives (Hairan). He is very concerned about preserving Kurdish art.
Submitter Statement: Zana Nawzad mahmood’s diverse expertise in producing, directing, and storytelling has made a significant mark in the world of filmmaking, captivating audiences with his compelling narratives and creative vision.
Director: Zana Nawzad Mahmood
Producer: Horen Ghareeb Raoof
Country of Origin: Iraq
Country of Filming: Iraq
Language: Kurdish
Subtitles:
Runtime: 00:46:48
Zana Nawzad MahmoodBio: Zana Nawzad mahmood is a filmmaker based in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. Zana has great experience with well-regarded productions in Iraq and internationally. Zana Nawzad, a 37-year-old filmmaker, graduated from the Fine Arts Institute with a focus on the Theater Department. His journey in the world of arts began with acting, where he participated in many plays and a TV drama episode, honing his skills in front of the camera and on stage. In 2015, he found his calling at Rudaw Media Network’s Documentary Department. Zana accrued years of experience as a producer and assistant director, gaining invaluable insights into filmmaking. Not stopping there, Zana delved into directing, shaping his vision into 18 compelling documentary films and many feature-length film, for many medias such as Rudaw, Al Arabiya, Channel 8, and many others. He also worked for many productions; Metro center, Internews, IMS, Vim foundation, Sinam production, and Mina animation. Working internationally, Zana made a documentary film about Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine. Also made 3 documentary films in the United Kingdom.
International Heritage Film Festival
"Heritage is Peace"
