Kurdish Film “Sea of Hope” Qualifies for Final Stage of Ray of Light Awards
ARK News.. The Kurdish short film “Sea of Hope,” directed by Gabriel Abu Bakr, has qualified for the final stage of the international Ray of Light Awards festival, scheduled to take place on the Spanish island of Ibiza later this month.
According to Kurdistan24, director Gabriel Abu Bakr said that the film’s advancement to the finals represents a significant cinematic achievement reflecting the artistic value of the work, especially as the festival applies strict standards based on the depth of the humanitarian message and its impact, in addition to the technical and aesthetic aspects of filmmaking.
Abu Bakr added that “Sea of Hope” sheds light on the humanitarian tragedies caused by wars and armed conflicts, following the journeys of civilians trapped by the reality of war and forced into displacement, undertaking dangerous journeys threatened by death and drowning in search of a safe refuge where they can live with dignity.
The director noted that the Ray of Light Awards festival focuses on profound human stories aimed at elevating human awareness and strengthening humanitarian bonds.
He explained that the festival was established in honor of the legacy of late British actor Ray Stevenson, with his friends and admirers from the artistic community continuing the event as a message affirming the power of art to change human thoughts and emotions.
The second edition of the festival is set to begin on May 29, 2026, on the island of Ibiza in Spain and will continue over three consecutive days with the participation of a selection of international films.
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