My Sweet Pepper Land

The critically acclaimed western-comedy My Sweet Pepperland is situated in a godforsaken village in Iraqi Kurdistan. Baran, who is a former Kurdish freedom fighter, accepts an offer to work as a sheriff in Qamaicam, a village in the North of Iraqi Kurdistan. The real reason for his acceptance of the offer is his need to escape his mother´s nag about marriage. It doesn't take long until he ends up in trouble in his new home village. The original rulers don’t respect his authority and conflicts occur. The situation doesn't get any better when Baran falls in love with the beautiful newly arrived teacher, who also escaped from her family's pressure to get married.

The movie is entertaining with its amazing scenography and enchanting music. It deals with serious topics and touch upon themes such as detachment and freedom.

“The quirky absurdism of Hiner Saleem’s “Vodka Lemon” is back on display in “My Sweet Pepper Land,” a Western-inspired tale of justice and honor that also marks the helmer’s return to Kurdistan.” - Variety