My Sweet Pepper Land
Playing: Saturday, February 22nd, 2:30 p.m. - 5:10 p.m.
Set in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq, My Sweet Pepper Land, recipient of the Gold Hugo for Best Feature Film at the Chicago International Film Festival, follows Baran, a newly appointed police officer tasked with restoring order in a lawless town. As he struggles to maintain peace amid corrupt power dynamics and a traditional, patriarchal society, he forms an unlikely bond with Govend, a brave, independent woman whose spirit challenges both Baran and the oppressive norms surrounding them.
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Iraqi Kurdistan
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Korkmaz Arslan
Golshifteh Farahani
Suat Usta
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Due to differing sensitivities from person to person, the MEFF does not usually provide subject matter trigger advisories for their films. In addition to the content on our website about the film, further age-appropriateness information for particular films can be found on IMDb as well as through internet searches.
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Gold Hugo for Best Feature - Chicago International Film Festival (2013)
The Filmmaker
Hiner Saleem is a renowned Kurdish filmmaker celebrated for his poignant and visually stunning works that explore themes of identity, freedom, and cultural heritage. Born in Iraqi Kurdistan, Saleem left his homeland during his youth due to political turmoil, an experience that profoundly shaped his artistic perspective.
His films, such as Vodka Lemon (2003), Kilometer Zero (2005), and My Sweet Pepper Land (2013), have garnered international acclaim, premiering at prestigious festivals like Cannes and Venice. Saleem’s storytelling often weaves humor and drama to depict the complexities of Kurdish life and struggles, blending lyrical imagery with sharp social commentary.
A pioneer in Kurdish cinema, Saleem’s work not only amplifies the voices of his people but also bridges cultural divides, earning him a place among the most compelling filmmakers in contemporary world cinema.
