Founded in 1986 under the title Independent Days of Cinema, the festival is one of Germany’s oldest film events and is renowned for its independent and socially committed programming beyond the country’s borders.
The festival will take place from October 7 to 12, 2025. Khalil has previously won several awards, including Best Short Film and the Special Jury Prize at the 30th Lessinia Film Festival in Italy, Best Director and Best Actor at the 36th Isfahan International Festival for Children and Youth, and Best Short Film prizes in Taiwan and Düsseldorf.
The film follows the story of a 13-year-old boy who, after the death of his father, struggles with the question of whether his father will go to heaven or hell, and seeks certainty about his fate.
Khalil was also previously invited to the 30th International Schlingel Festival for Children and Young Audiences in Germany.
