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Maysoon Pachachi’s OUR RIVER…OUR SKY claims Ecumenical Film Award in Germany
20 March 2023
Maysoon Pachachi’s OUR RIVER...OUR SKY received the 2023 Ecumenical Film Award at a ceremony that was part of the Church Film Festival in Recklinghausen, Germany, on March 18th in the presence of the festival’s jury.
The London-based Iraqi filmmaker was accompanied by the film's lead actress Meriam Abbas and producer Talal Al-Muhanna.
In a statement released after the award was announced, Friederike Melloh — a pastor and member of the organizers — said: “The focus of the film is humanity against the backdrop of war. Many still manage to stand in solidarity with one another as human beings, despite the divisive pressures of religion and politics. It's about the future of women and what kind of future they can give their children. With our award-winning film, we are setting an example.”
This year’s edition of the Church Film Festival in Recklinghausen included 11 feature films, three documentaries, and three short films — three of which have already received Oscar nominations.
Starring Darina Al-Joundi, Zainab Joda, Amed Hashimi, and Meriam Abbas, OUR RIVER…OUR SKY is an ensemble film of intersecting stories that take place in the last week of 2006 — between Christmas and New Year. It tells the stories of ordinary Iraqis trying to live their everyday lives amid unpredictable violence.
Shortly before the New Year, following the unexpected news of Saddam Hussein's execution, Sara and her neighbors brace themselves for an uncertain future while trying to sustain a fragile sense of hope.
OUR RIVER…OUR SKY was well-received by audiences and critics alike since its first screening, with Lauren Miles from Film Stories writing: “Our River… Our Sky is a deeply affecting snapshot of the violence endured by the Iraqi people in 2006.”
Meanwhile, Rob Aldam in Backseat Mafia said that “Our River… Our Sky is an impressive and humane drama. Maysoon Pachachi’s debut feature is warm-hearted, moving, and affords the viewer a glimpse of what it’s like to live in constant fear.”
Previously, the film was screened at the Doha Film Institute and claimed the Debut Film Special Jury Prize at the Meta Film Festival. Prior to that, it had its UK premiere during the 30th edition of the Raindance Film Festival.
Also, after holding its world premiere at the Sarajevo Film Festival, OUR RIVER… OUR SKY was featured at highly anticipated screenings in the MENA region at the Cairo, Slemani, Amman, and Franco-Arab film festivals.
The London-based Iraqi filmmaker was accompanied by the film's lead actress Meriam Abbas and producer Talal Al-Muhanna.
In a statement released after the award was announced, Friederike Melloh — a pastor and member of the organizers — said: “The focus of the film is humanity against the backdrop of war. Many still manage to stand in solidarity with one another as human beings, despite the divisive pressures of religion and politics. It's about the future of women and what kind of future they can give their children. With our award-winning film, we are setting an example.”
This year’s edition of the Church Film Festival in Recklinghausen included 11 feature films, three documentaries, and three short films — three of which have already received Oscar nominations.
Starring Darina Al-Joundi, Zainab Joda, Amed Hashimi, and Meriam Abbas, OUR RIVER…OUR SKY is an ensemble film of intersecting stories that take place in the last week of 2006 — between Christmas and New Year. It tells the stories of ordinary Iraqis trying to live their everyday lives amid unpredictable violence.
Shortly before the New Year, following the unexpected news of Saddam Hussein's execution, Sara and her neighbors brace themselves for an uncertain future while trying to sustain a fragile sense of hope.
OUR RIVER…OUR SKY was well-received by audiences and critics alike since its first screening, with Lauren Miles from Film Stories writing: “Our River… Our Sky is a deeply affecting snapshot of the violence endured by the Iraqi people in 2006.”
Meanwhile, Rob Aldam in Backseat Mafia said that “Our River… Our Sky is an impressive and humane drama. Maysoon Pachachi’s debut feature is warm-hearted, moving, and affords the viewer a glimpse of what it’s like to live in constant fear.”
Previously, the film was screened at the Doha Film Institute and claimed the Debut Film Special Jury Prize at the Meta Film Festival. Prior to that, it had its UK premiere during the 30th edition of the Raindance Film Festival.
Also, after holding its world premiere at the Sarajevo Film Festival, OUR RIVER… OUR SKY was featured at highly anticipated screenings in the MENA region at the Cairo, Slemani, Amman, and Franco-Arab film festivals.
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