Singing Wings

Singing Wings (2025) tells the touching story of Khadijeh, a Kurdish woman who has dedicated her life to helping others. At over 70 years of age, as a mother of eight children and caregiver to her sick husband, she continues to help those around her. With her children grown, Khadijeh finds a new mission: to rescue an injured stork.

Despite her modest circumstances, she does everything she can to provide food and shelter to heal this suffering creature, even though others encourage her to give up on what seems like a wasted effort. She has a strong connection to nature and a deep appreciation for all living things. At the same time, Khadijeh struggles to accept her daughter’s decision to move far away from her parents and culture to Britain to be with her husband and children. 

In Kurdish culture, storks are revered, and their annual return is seen as a sign of good luck. The film highlights this symbolism and how the community is built on caring and listening to the rhythms of nature. The support and shared responsibility of the villagers create a quiet but strong social fabric in the background.

A co-production between Iran, Georgia, and Belgium, Singing Wings offers an intimate glimpse into life in rural Iran. This debut documentary by Hemen Khaled won the Mecenat Award at the Busan International Film Festival and was selected for the documentary series at the ZFF and BFI London Film Festival.

Laura Huhta