White Flag

Seven Zagros Symphonies narrates the philosophy of seven musical maqams of the oldest wind instrument (shamshal) in the life of the people of Zagros. The documentary is narrated using the monologue of an old man who spent 65 years of his life playing the shamshal (a Kurdish wind instrument). The story of the film is character-oriented and the philosophy of the seven maqams in his life is implied.

Kurdish folk singer Habibullah Zandi has been performing all his life. Whether at weddings or around the campfire, he shares his voice to bring others happiness. When a video of him goes viral on TikTok the young village mullah confronts him about the sins of singing. Tensions rise, but so does his defiance. For Habibullah, the Islamic faith and his singing are not at odds. This film mirrors its protagonist – it is quietly self-assured, joyful and with a deep love for the beauty of this world.

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