Baghdad, October 5, 2019
Mosul Book Forum organized with the support of UNESCO a book fair at Al-Nujaifi street in Mosul. The festival aimed at emphasizing the importance of modern art, artists’ networks, media and cultural industries as a powerful accelerators for identity, social cohesion, as well as economic growth and job creation.
One of the main local publication houses, The Cultural Affairs House, which belongs to the Ministry of Culture, contributed to the festival with more than 4,000 books, covering a large panel of literature and categories. A book-signing session took place in collaboration with Mashki publication house. Ten famous writers from Mosul, Kirkuk and Samara introduced their books during the event.
A key highlight of the festival was the screening of the Iraqi movie: “The Journey”. This movie was screened in the Contemporary World Cinema section at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival. Upon premiering on 1 March 2018 in Iraq, the film became the first Iraqi film in 27 years to be released in the theaters of Iraq.
Mohamed Salim, a famous Moslawi singer, performed at the Festival. He is one of the symbols of the local traditional music, his performance focused on the works of “Mulla Othman Al-Mawsilli” (1854 – 1923). He was one of the most important poets, singers and composers of the last century in Mosul and in Iraq.
UNESCO’s Revive the Spirit of Mosul Initiative aims at revitalizing cultural life in Mosul, bringing art, culture and heritage to contribute to the renewal of the city.
