World Cinema Amsterdam 2023

It is September 2022. In the Iranian capital Tehran, young Masha Amini is arrested. The charge: she was not wearing her hijab (headscarf) properly. At the police station, she is mistreated to such an extent that she does not survive, with many protests as a result. Reason for WCA to pay aa tribute to the brave women in Iran fighting for more freedom in the programme Strong & Unwavering: Women of Iran. Because self-determination is a universal right, for both men and women.

Iranian-Dutch Sara Emami also raised her voice last year by creating an illustration. It was picked up worldwide and became a symbol of Iran's struggle for women's rights. Proud - that is what we are. Because none other than Sara designed this year's beautiful campaign image for WCA.

For the campaign image, she collaborated with Persian poster designer Innerjalz, who operates anonymously. He distributes protest art on his Instagram channel. Together, they created an image that represents and conveys the strength and resilience of Iranian women. An image as powerful as they are.

Of the World Cinema Amsterdam Competition, consisting of eight feature films, we are proud to announce the first film! The opening film of the festival is Tótem by director Lila Avilés, who previously won the 2019 WCA Jury Award with her debut film La Camarista. The film tells the heartbreaking story of seven-year-old Sol, whose father is terminally ill.

WCA also puts the spotlight on Felix de Rooy, a Curacao-based artist, director and curator, selcted as Filmmaker in Focus. Especially for the festival, he has put together a programme that will make you see the world differently.