Iraqi film The Journey, directed by Mohamed Al-Daradji, has won the Special Jury Award after competing within the Official Competition at the 2nd Sham El Sheikh Film Festival. Simultaneously, The Journey was released in Iraqi cinemas as part of a campaign that aims to reach 1 million viewers in an effort to send out a cultural message to the world against extremism and terrorism.

The film is currently screening at Zayoona Mall, Mansour Mall, Al Nakheel Mall, Times Square Mall, Babylon Mall, Duhok Mall, Empire, Erbil, and Sulaimaniyah Mall.

As Sara stands on the cusp of committing an unthinkable act, an unforeseen and awkward encounter gives her the opportunity to witness the potential consequences of her destructive action. But, is this a second chance or an admission of guilt?

The Journey landed its Arab world premiere at the 14th Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) within the Muhr Feature Competition. The film competed in the official competitions of the BFI London Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival and the Busan International Film Festival. This March, the film will land its US premiere at the Miami Film Festival.

Directed by Mohamed Al-Daradji, who co-writes the film with Isabelle Stead, The Journey stars Zahraa Ghandour and Ameer Jbara.

The film is produced by Human Film, Iraqi Independent Film Center (IIFC) in cooperation with Lionceau Films, Iraq Al-Rafidain and Iraqi Media Network. The film received grants from the Doha Film Institute, AFAC - The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture, World Cinema Fund, the Centre National du Cinéma et de l'image Animée (CNC) and the French Institute (IF) of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development, Netherlands Film Fund, SANAD Development Fund (Abu Dhabi Film Festival) and Screen Yorkshire. MAD Solutions is handling the distribution of the film through the Arab world.