Dezhin Jamil is often called the first Yazidi actress. She is unsure if she is the only Yazidi actress in the world, saying there might be other Yazidi actresses elsewhere. But she is sure she is the only Yazidi actress in the Kurdistan Region. Jamil married Hiwa Shamo this fall. She said that her husband has promised to support her in her work as an artist. Her latest appearance was in the film ‘The Dream before Death’, which was produced by Fikri Barozhi. This film won the award of ‘The Best Viewer Film’ in Duhok’s fifth international film festival. How was your first experience appearing in cinema? Dezhin Jamil: I first appeared in the film ‘Haj Hajik’ produced by a cinematist from west Kurdistan, Mano Khalil. I can say that I was successful in my first experience as an actress. I promised myself at the time to continue playing in cinematic films. You were a presenter before you became an actress. How did you end up in the world of cinema? I always dreamt of being an actress. I entered the realm of cinema at the request of a producer, Mano Khalil, and I will continue in this field. It’s said you are the only Yazidi who is an actress. How do you feel about that? Artists working in the sphere of cinema have given me this nickname, although I am unsure of this. There might be other Yazidi actresses living abroad. But I am certain I am the only Yazidi woman who is an actress. Embarking upon this career wasn’t easy for me. But I am proud of it. Are there other Yazidi women sharing your interest for cinema? There are many Yazidi women who want to become actresses and appear in cinematic films. There aren’t as many obstacles in front of women nowadays. The Kurdish society has always respected women and their abilities. And I hope attention is paid to develop the potential of Yazidi women. Photos of your marriage ceremony surfaced a few days ago. What is the opinion of your husband on your work as an actress? Hiwa is my husband, and I love him very much. He has promised to help me in my work as an artist. And I am sure he will be true to his promise and will not prevent me from continuing my work as an actress. Why do you always play the role of a person with too many responsibilities? This is a choice made by the producer. I am new as an actress who appears in cinematic films. Films reflect how a society is. The situation of our society in recent years tends to be more compatible with tragic cinematic themes, and the roles played in such films normally hold many responsibilities. Your first film was screened in both Kurdish film festivals and in Europe as well. What is the difference between film viewers in Kurdistan and Europe? How do these two compare? Film viewers are surely different in Europe where cinematists and producers are highly respected. Films have their own values in Europe. Cinema hasn’t yet become part of the culture in Kurdistan, although there is serious effort to develop cinematic work in the region. In addition, cinema halls in Europe become full for Kurdish films, yet nobody watches them in Kurdistan. Have you had any projects for the people of Shingal? I have worked in coordination with many international organizations to collect aid for the people of Shingal, especially for children. And I have been successful in doing so.
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