Film & events

OPENING  
NIGHT

The 11th Ghan International Film Festival Australia (GIFFA) will officially open on Friday, 25 September 2026, at Mercury Cinema, Adelaide, marking another year of celebrating powerful storytelling, cultural diversity, and community connection.The festival will bring together filmmakers, artists, community members, and audiences to experience a diverse program of Afghan and international films that foster dialogue, understanding, and cross-cultural appreciation. Following its Adelaide opening, GIFFA will continue with screenings and events in Melbourne and Sydney, connecting communities across Australia through the power of cinema.Join us as we celebrate outstanding filmmaking, amplify diverse voices, and continue sharing stories that inspire, educate, and bring communities together.
Tickets available now
25 Sep
ADelaide only
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day 01

ADelaide

Fri 25 sep
6.30pm
Mercury Cinema

Sydney

Sat 03 oct
6.30pm
Event cinema parramatta

Sima's Song

Director: Roya Sadat
Duration: 98 minutes 
Year: 2023
Country: Spain, Netherlands, France, Taiwan
Language: Farsi/ subtitles: ENG
Synopsis: In the bustling streets of 2023 Kabul, a group of fearless women protest against the Taliban Regime, screaming for bread, education, and freedom in unison. They are led by the resilient 65-year-old Suraya. The evocative melody from a ruhab, performed by her granddaughter, transports us back to the past: 1979.Suraya and her inseparable friend, the talented singer Sima, try to cope in Afghanistan's unstable political landscape. From university halls to intimate gatherings, their contrasting visions of freedom clash and converge: Suraya, a wealthy advocate for communism, blinded by it's promise of equality, assumes a pivotal role within the pro-Russian faction, while Sima, a humble, conservative Muslim, skeptical of political power games, seeks refuge in tradition and gets married. Despite their differences, their shared conviction to women's rights still binds them in sisterhood.As the political turmoil in Kabul increasingly escalates, their friendship is seriously challenged. Sima’s involvement with the mujahideen faction forces her to escape to the treacherous mountains from being arrested, initiating a series of unfortunate events that will deeply challenge the essence of her bond with Suraya. But even in the most desolate prison cells, when everything seems lost, their bond will remain unbreakable. They will realize that they have been used by political groups who were only hungry for power.Directed by the internationally acclaimed Roya Sadat, "Sima's Song" is more than a film—it's a testament to the unwavering spirit of Afghan women. Spanning decades, it portrays their sacrifices, resilience, and their tireless fight for freedom.World Premiere: Tokyo IFFFestivals: Red Sea IFF

We are used to leaving

day 02

ADelaide

Sat 26 Sep
6.30pm
Mercury Cinema

Salam Sangi

Sun 27 Sep
5:00pm Kabul
Online

Paikar

Director/writer: Dawood Hilmandi
Documentary 2025
The Netherlands, Afghanistan, IranDari, English,Dutch
97minutes

Title Paikar
Director/writer: Dawood HilmandiDocumentary 2025The Netherlands, Afghanistan, IranDari, English,Dutch97minutes

Salam Sangi
(سلام سنگی)

Director: Fahim Hashimy
Producer: arda Film
Duration: 58 minutes 
Year: 2025

Secure your tickets for GIFFA 2026 Today!

Tickets are available now.
25 Sep – 20 Oct
ADL | SYD | MEL
Buy Now