Talal Derki

Talal Derki, born on July 24, 1977, in Damascus, Syria, has made significant contributions to the world of film as a director, producer, and screenwriter, with roots in Kurdish heritage. He pursued his education in film directing at the Stavrako High Institute of Cinematographic Art and Television in Athens, graduating in 2003. Following his studies, Derki gained valuable experience as an assistant director on various feature film projects while also directing a range of Arab television programs and films from 2009 to 2012. Additionally, he worked as a freelance cameraman for major news organizations like CNN and Thomson Reuters.

Derki's body of work includes several acclaimed short films and documentaries that have garnered awards at numerous film festivals. His most notable achievement is the feature documentary "Return to Homs," which was honored with the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. In 2014, he served as a member of the international jury at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), showcasing his expertise in the field. Currently, Talal Derki resides in exile in Berlin, Germany, continuing to pursue his passion for storytelling through film, reflecting on the complexities of his experiences and the socio-political landscape of the region.