Norwegian filmmaker Hisham Zaman
We’re thrilled to announce that Hisham Zaman, acclaimed Norwegian director, screenwriter, and producer of Kurdish descent, will be delivering a keynote presentation at the upcoming “Crossings and Connections” conference. Drawing from his own life experiences, Zaman’s films explore universal themes of migration.
As part of his presentation, we’ll be screening his poignant debut feature film, Vinterland [Winter land] (2007). Plus, a post-conference film festival will feature a selection of Zaman’s other migration-themed works, giving viewers an even deeper sense of his cinematic range.
Zaman’s journey to becoming a filmmaker is as remarkable as his films. Born in Iraq in 1975, his family was forced to seek refuge in Iran and Turkey before finally finding asylum in Norway when he was 17. Despite initial disapproval from his father, Zaman developed a passion for cinema. With his mother’s support, he secretly indulged his interest in film, all while working as a car mechanic to support his family. This dedication led him to amateur cinema clubs and, finally, to the Norwegian Film School at Lillehammer in 2001, where he later taught.
Since graduating in 2004, Zaman’s films have garnered international acclaim. His filmography includes a variety of short films, most notably Bawke [Father] (2005), which won over 50 international awards and was named Norway’s best short film of the decade. His feature-length films include Før Snøen Faller [Before the Snow Falls] (2013), Brev til kongen [Letter to the King] (2014), and his most recent release, A Happy Day (2023).
Post-Conference Film Festival
Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 22nd for our Crossings and Connections Film Festival! We’ll be showcasing a diverse array of films, including dramas, documentaries, and shorts, that shed light on the complex journeys of migration to, from, and within Norway and the United States. The festival will also include a variety of films by Zaman. Stay tuned to our conference schedule for the complete lineup.