Hijamat to Debut at Karlovy Vary: A Berlin Muslim Family Confronts Hidden LGBTQ+ Tensions

Hijamat, written and directed by Nader Saeivar and produced/edited by Jafar Panahi, follows a devout Muslim family in Berlin after the younger son Kerem’s secret gay relationship is revealed. The drama will world-premiere in the Crystal Globe competition at the 60th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Saeivar and Panahi previously co-wrote Cannes 2025 Palme d’Or winner *It Was Just An Accident*, which was nominated for two Oscars. Production is led by Said Nur Akkus’s ArtHood Films with co-producers sugarWorkz, Lightburst Pictures and JPJ Film Productions; cinematography is by Emre Erkmen. ArtHood Entertainment handles global sales and Neue Visionen Filmverleih will release the film in Germany.

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The ensemble is led by Kida Khodr Ramadan as Murad, the elder brother who must choose between family loyalty and his brother’s wellbeing. Jael Cem Ilhan plays Kerem, whose hidden relationship triggers the conflict. Nicolette Krebitz appears as Murad’s wife Leyla, and Vedat Erincin portrays the patriarch Ibrahim. Supporting performances include Aziz Capkurt, Moritz Bleibtreu and Nastassja Kinski.

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KVIFF will screen Hijamat in its Crystal Globe competition, one of twelve titles selected for the main slate. ArtHood Entertainment is pursuing worldwide sales, while German distributor Neue Visionen Filmverleih will handle the domestic theatrical release.

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The film presents a gay relationship within a traditionally Muslim household, a storyline that directly informs the film’s dramatic tension. Its selection for the Crystal Globe competition at KVIFF places the narrative in a prominent international platform, exposing audiences to the intersection of LGBTQ+ identity and religious family dynamics.

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Festival officials confirmed Hijamat’s inclusion in the Crystal Globe lineup, citing its artistic relevance. ArtHood Entertainment announced plans to secure global distribution, emphasizing the film’s appeal to both festival audiences and broader viewers. Producers highlighted the collaboration of Panahi and Saeivar as a hallmark of quality.

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• “Murad would like to support his brother, but their traditional Muslim family is against it.” — Film Synopsis, *Hijamat*

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• “shaken to the core when he learns that his younger brother is gay,” — Film Synopsis, *Hijamat*

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• “Fasten your seatbelt for a scene brimming with intensity!” — Hollywood Reporter

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• “This scene gives us a sense of what may already be broken, what is being broken right now, and what may yet break.” — Hollywood Reporter

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• “The news sends shockwaves through his family and local community.” — Film Synopsis, *Hijamat*

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After its KVIFF premiere, Hijamat will open in German cinemas via Neue Visionen Filmverleih. ArtHood Entertainment will continue to seek further festival slots and streaming agreements to broaden its international audience.

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