Danar Omer Faris, born in 1983 in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, is a Kurdish film producer and founder of the Slemani International Film Festival. Since the beginning of his filmmaking career, he has worked in various filmmaking aspects, such as sound recording, production design, editing, special effects, and producing. In 2016 the first Slemani IFF was held and Faris started his work as the festival’s Artistic Director. After holding five editions, the festival has become one of the most renowned film festivals in the Middle East, as well as attracting famous filmmakers around the world. In accordance, Faris has gained his reputation and success locally and internationally.