Atiq Rahimi, the renowned Afghan writer and filmmaker and recipient of the Prix Goncourt, has been appointed president of the jury for the third edition of the International “Woman, Life, Freedom” Film Festival. Inspired by Iran’s women-led movement, the festival aims to challenge censorship and amplify narratives of resistance, freedom, and equality.
The third edition of the International “Woman, Life, Freedom” Film Festival is scheduled to take place from September 16 to 21, 2026, in Brisbane, Australia, with additional programs continuing at several venues across Europe and North America. The festival will showcase a selection of independent films from various countries.
According to an official announcement by the organizers, Atiq Rahimi has been named president of the international jury for this year’s edition. He will evaluate the selected works alongside prominent figures including Niki Karimi, Vishka Asayesh, Mozhgan Eilanzalu, Stephen Lance, Richard Fung, and Carolina Pose.
The third edition of the festival will also feature special programs honoring Bahram Beyzai and Nasser Taghvai, two prominent figures in Iranian cinema. Organizers said the artistic careers of both filmmakers have been closely associated with artistic independence and their engagement with restrictions and censorship in the film industry.
As part of the festival’s expanded program, the Alliance Française of Brisbane has joined the event as a partner for the first time. The organization will present the “Alliance Française Award” to one of the nominated films, focusing on support for independent cinema, artistic freedom, and strengthening ties with the French-speaking community.
Atiq Rahimi, an Afghan-born writer and filmmaker, is regarded as a prominent figure in contemporary literature and cinema. In 2008, he received the prestigious Prix Goncourt, one of France’s most important literary awards, for his novel The Patience Stone. Since then, he has been recognized as one of the leading French-language writers.
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Rahimi has also maintained an extensive career in cinema, directing films including Earth and Ashes, The Patience Stone, and The Lady of the Nile. His films have been screened at several major international film festivals and have competed in various sections of these events.
The International “Woman, Life, Freedom” Film Festival was established in 2024 by the Association of Iranian Cinema and Theatre Artists Abroad. The festival was founded to provide an international platform for independent filmmakers and artists while promoting freedom of expression, challenging censorship, and addressing issues including gender equality, human rights, and social justice.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
