
Paikar
- Dutch, Flemish (Nederlands, Vlaams), Persian, Farsi (فارسی)
- Afghanistan, Netherlands
- 97 min
Afghan artist-filmmaker Dawood Hilmandi is called paikar—the Persian word for “war” or “warrior”—by his family. His parents use this nickname proudly, but in this family portrait, it seems more of a burden than a blessing. In Paikar, Hilmandi shows his return home, where he hopes to mend his relationship with his aging, authoritarian father.
Screenings and awards
2026
Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival
Emerging International Filmmaker Award — Dawood Hilmandi
Canada
2025
International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam
Best First Feature
Special Mention — Best Dutch Film
FIPRESCI Award
Netherlands

