Displacement Film Fund
Programme IFFR 2026
The Displacement Film Fund is established to champion and fund the work of displaced filmmakers, or filmmakers with a proven track record in creating authentic storytelling on the experiences of displaced people. The pilot short film funding scheme was launched at IFFR 2025 by UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Cate Blanchett with support from Master Mind, Uniqlo, Droom en Daad, the Tamer Family Foundation and Amahoro Coalition as Founding Partners, the Hubert Bals Fund as Management Partner and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, as Strategic Partner. The five short film production grants were be bestowed to Maryna Er Gorbach, Mo Harawe, Hasan Kattan, Mohammad Rasoulof and Shahrbanoo Sadat – their films will have their world premiere during IFFR 2026. Click here for more information on the Displacement Film Fund.
Overview of films
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Allies in Exile
Hasan Kattan | 40' | United Kingdom | World premiere
Two Syrian filmmakers with a past shaped by war document the trauma of waiting for asylum, using friendship and storytelling to survive exile. -
Rotation
Maryna Er Gorbach | 12' | Ukraine | World premiere
“Rotation” is a therapeutic hypnosis ritual experienced by a young Ukrainian woman who shifted from civilian life to military service. -
Sense of Water
Mohammad Rasoulof | 30' | Iran | World premiere
In the chill of exile, an Iranian writer confronts a foreign language. -
Super Afghan Gym
Shahrbanoo Sadat | 14' | Germany | World premiere
In a gym in downtown Kabul, a group of housewives gather during the only hour of the day reserved for women. -
Whispers of a Burning Scent
Mo Harawe | 29' | Somalia | World premiere
A quiet wedding musician finds his private life exposed to public scrutiny.