Born on March 9, 1964, in the picturesque town of Aqrah, located in the heart of Iraqi Kurdistan, Huner Saleem is a celebrated Iraqi-Kurdish film director whose life journey has been marked by significant milestones and transitions. At the tender age of 17, he left behind his homeland to embark on an exciting adventure to Italy, where he devoted himself to completing his education and pursuing higher studies.
Huner Saleem, a visionary filmmaker, has been relentlessly propelled by an unyielding passion to illuminate the plight of the Iraqi Kurdish people, a quest that has been the defining force behind his creative endeavors.
In 1992, with unwavering courage and determination, he embarked on a clandestine mission to document the living conditions of his fellow Kurds, capturing the stark, unvarnished realities of their existence, a testament to the resilience and fortitude of a people enduring unimaginable hardships.
The resulting footage, a powerful testament to the human spirit, was subsequently showcased at the prestigious Venice Film Festival, a global platform that has been synonymous with excellence and innovation in the world of cinema, garnering international attention, recognition, and acclaim.
Huner Saleem's inaugural foray into directing, titled "Vive la mariée... et la libération du Kurdistan", initially premiered in the year 1998, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
This was swiftly followed by the 2000 release of "Passeurs de rêves", which showcased the filmmaker's versatility and range as a creative force.
In 2003, Saleem's cinematic masterpiece, "Vodka Lemon", made a lasting impression on the international film community, garnering the prestigious San Marco Prize at the esteemed Venice Film Festival.
Throughout his journey as a filmmaker, Saleem's unwavering dedication to his craft is evident in his ability to not only write but also direct all three of his initial films, a testament to his unwavering passion and commitment to his art.
In the year 2005, Huner Saleem, a renowned figure in the world of cinema, was bestowed with the esteemed title of Chevalier des Arts et Lettres by none other than the French Minister of Culture, the distinguished Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, in recognition of his extraordinary and far-reaching contributions to the realm of cinema.
This prestigious honor, a testament to his unwavering dedication and unrelenting passion for his craft, serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact he has had on the world of film. His memoirs, aptly titled My Father's Rifle, have been published in not one, not two, but four languages: French, English, Greek, and Tamil, offering readers a unique and intimate glimpse into the life and experiences of this remarkable individual.
Through the pages of his memoirs, readers are treated to a deeply personal and poignant account of his life, as he shares with them his stories, struggles, and triumphs, providing a captivating and insightful look into the life of a true cinematic legend.
Huner Saleem, a renowned filmmaker, has been making significant waves in the industry with his recent projects, with one of his most notable works being the 2013 film "My Sweet Pepper Land". This cinematic masterpiece premiered in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section at the renowned Cannes Film Festival, a testament to Saleem's exceptional direction. His remarkable work behind the camera earned him a nomination for the coveted Asia Pacific Screen Award for Achievement in Directing, a true recognition of his artistic prowess. Throughout his illustrious career, Huner Saleem has consistently demonstrated his ability to push the boundaries of storytelling, utilizing his platform to raise awareness about the struggles faced by the Iraqi Kurdish people, shedding light on the often-overlooked issues that affect this community.
