Afghanistan Women’s Film Festival in Cologne: First and Last

Honoring the voices, stories, and legacy of Afghan women in cinema

The Anar Academy proudly presents the First Afghanistan Women’s Film Festival, taking place on August 22–23, 2025 in Cologne, Germany. This unique cultural event brings attention to the powerful creative contributions of Afghan women filmmakers during the Republic era of Afghanistan — a brief yet impactful period of cinematic expression and freedom.

Under the theme “First and Last,” the festival reflects on two historical milestones in Afghan cinema: the internationally acclaimed “Osama” (2003) directed by Siddiq Barmak — the first major film of the Republic era featuring a young female protagonist — and “Hava, Maryam, Ayesha” (2019) by Dr. Sahraa Karimi, the last prominent Afghan feature film made before the collapse of the government in 2021.

🎥 On August 22, we will screen Osama in the presence of lead actress Marina Golbahari.

Tickets Reservation here:

https://www.kinoheld.de/kino/koeln/lichtspiele-koeln-kalk/vorstellung/3287421627?mode=widget&layout=shows&showName=&startDate=&endDate=&rb=1&sessid=prcqevaitla99f9um53ovr456a

🎥 On August 23, Hava, Maryam, Ayesha will be presented with a special appearance by director Dr. Sahraa Karimi.

Tickets Reservation here:

https://www.kinoheld.de/kino/koeln/lichtspiele-koeln-kalk/vorstellung/3287421660?mode=widget&layout=shows&showName=&startDate=&endDate=&rb=1&sessid=prcqevaitla99f9um53ovr456a

Through screenings, guest talks, and cultural dialogue, the festival aims to preserve and honor the cinematic legacy of Afghan women — voices that rose against all odds and left behind a treasure of resistance, resilience, and beauty.

📍 Location: Kino Lichtspiele Kalk, Cologne

Kalk-Mülheimer-Straße 130-132 
51103 Köln, Deutschland

🕓 Screening Times:

Friday, August 22: 16:30–20:00 (film starts at 17:30) Saturday, August 23: 16:30–20:00 (film starts at 17:30)