Dawood Hilmandi’s Documentary ‘Paikar’ Picked Up by Taskovski Ahead of IDFA World Premiere (EXCLUSIVE)

Taskovski Films has picked up sales rights to documentary “Paikar,” the debut feature by Afghan-Dutch filmmaker Dawood Hilmandi, which will world premiere at IDFA in the Luminous section.

Born in Afghanistan and raised in exile, Hilmandi grew up in the shadow of his father, Baba — a former mujahideen fighter who later became an imam, writer and poet. For years, Baba’s silence and authority ruled the household, leaving little room for questions or tenderness. Yet behind his sternness lived a man of reflection and sensitivity, whose words and verses hinted at a gentleness rarely shown.

When life and loss bring him back to his father’s side, Hilmandi begins a journey to bridge the distance between them. Together they retrace Baba’s past across Afghanistan, Iran, and Iraq, through places marked by faith and violence, exile and return.

The producers are Frank Hoeve and Katja Draaijer of Amsterdam-based Baldr Film. Distribution for the Netherlands is handled by Cinema Delicatessen.

Irena Taskovski, head of acquisitions at Taskovski Films, said, “Paikar speaks to the invisible wounds carried by those who live in the shadow of conflict. Though rooted in Afghanistan, its echoes reach far beyond — wherever families are divided by war, silence, or ideology. It’s a film for our times, reminding us that humanity is always larger than history.”

Hoeve added, “ ‘Paikar’ is an intimately human story, and Taskovski’s unwavering dedication to meaningful cinema makes sure films like this reach audiences who are genuinely touched by them.”

Hilmandi’s video essay “Me Montage” opened the International Short Film Festival Oberhausen. He won the top prize in the Open Doors program with his pitch for “Badeszenen” at the Locarno Film Festival in 2017.