Lost Dreams

Ashkan Ahmadi
(Kurdistan, Iraq)

The subject of this documentary series delves into the aspirations of children residing in the camps of the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran, situated in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Born to parents who fled their homeland to oppose the Islamic regime of Iran and secure their national rights, these children lack Iranian birth certificates or identity documents. Similarly, they lack Iraqi documentation despite residing in the Kurdistan region. These children, often overlooked and denied asylum rights, remain unaccounted for in population statistics. Despite their precarious existence, they harbor dreams of academic pursuits in prestigious global universities, participation in cultural and international events, or joining renowned football teams. Their nights are haunted by nightmares of conflict, yet their days are filled with hope and aspirations for a brighter future.

Born in Baneh, Kurdistan of Iran, Ashkan Ahmadi began his artistic journey in theater during his university years. Transitioning to filmmaking in 1999 with the Iranian Young Cinema Association, he has since crafted over 12 short films and documentaries, earning recognition at national and international film festivals. In 2007, he pursued film directing studies at Lodz Film School in Poland, complementing his roles as a cinematographer, production manager, and editor for various short and feature films.