- 85 minutes - 2025
Supported by l'Aide aux Cinémas du Monde (CNC), The Whickers, IDFA Bertha Fund,
Doha Film Institute, the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture, Docs up Fund, International Media Support
SYNOPSIS
Flana is a personal documentary that follows director Zahraa as she confronts the haunting events of her past. Growing up in a Baghdad midwife, her aunt Hayat’s house, Zahraa witnessed the harsh realities of violence against women. The disappearance of her childhood friend Nour sparked her quest for truth, driving her to navigate Iraq's complex web of war and tribal laws. Through her journey, Zahraa uncovers the dark secrets behind families abandoning their daughters and the heartbreaking separations of mothers and daughters - a fate she herself endured. Her search for Nour leads her to another girl, Layla, with a similar story, giving Zahraa hope that Nour might still be alive.
Zahraa Ghandour was born in 1991. Based in Baghdad, she is a filmmaker, and independent actor and the executive producer and founder of KARADA films production company. Starting her career as a writer, TV presenter, and TV documentaries Director. Years later, she successfully started acting, winning several international awards. In 2022 Zahraa founded IQ:Docs, an initiative that screens documentary films, and makes workshops with experts for youth in Iraq. Zahraa has no formal education but she gained her knowledge by self-teaching and field practice.
DIRECTOR
CREDITS
Director : Zahraa Ghandour
Written by Zahraa Ghandour with Gladys Joujou
DOP : Jocelyne Abi Gebrayel
Editing : Ahmed Abd & Nadia Sylaj
Music : Khyam Allami
Produced by : Karada films – Lila Production
International seller : Splitscreen – Women Make Movies
WORLD PREMIERE : TIFF - Toronto International Film Festival 2025
IDFA - International competition
Special Mention at the Cairo International Film Festival
Special Mention - Duhok International Film Festival
