Assyrian film wins “Best Cinematography” at Baghdad International Film Festival

The Assyrian filmmaker Frank Gilbert has won the award for Best Cinematography at the Baghdad International Film Festival. Gilbert was nominated for the award after the release of his film “Son of Assyria”, which has been praised for its cinematography and for providing representation of Assyrians in a field where they have been historically underrepresented.

In a statement after the ceremony, Gilbert stated “This award is not just for me. It is for all the young Assyrians who dream of telling their stories through film. Our voices matter, and this recognition shows that there is space for us in the cultural life of Iraq.” 

“Son of Assyria” is Gilbert’s third movie, having produced the films “Journey of Eternity” (2022) and “Road to Urmi” (2024) in years prior. “Journey of Eternity” tells the story of the three martyrs; Youbert Shlimon, Youkhana Jajo, and Yousip Hermis who were hanged in 1985 under Saddam Hussein’s regime. “Road to Urmi” tells the story of a mother-son duo during the events of the Assyrian genocide.

Gilberts films are part of a growing number of cinematic experiences bringing light to the Assyrian people and the various facets and representations of their heritage. 

Gilbert was born in 1981 in Kirkuk, Iraqi Assyria and is currently living in Chicago, US.