Helsinki, Finland — A deeply personal dream has blossomed into an inspiring international success story. Award-winning filmmaker Gian Majidi, a Kurdish-Iranian immigrant residing in Finland, has garnered global acclaim with his debut feature film, *The Soldier*. Produced on a modest budget through his independent company, KordAva Production, the film has been officially selected for 30 international film festivals spanning North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America. Notably, eight of these selections were from prestigious film festivals in the United States, showcasing the film's remarkable resonance with American audiences.
Since its premiere, The Soldier has been honoured with four significant awards, including Best Feature Film and Best Director, at distinguished international film festivals such as:
- Tri-State New York Film Festival – USA
- SCA Los Angeles Film Festival – USA
- Ideal International Film Festival – India
CineTube International Film Festival – India

Created predominantly by a single visionary, ‘The Soldier’ stands as a powerful testament to the spirit of independent cinema. Gian Majidi undertook the roles of writer, director, producer, editor, actor, and composer, while family members and friends rallied to support his creative vision. The film’s extraordinary festival journey exemplifies how compelling storytelling and unwavering artistic resolve can transcend financial constraints and resonate with audiences worldwide.

What sets ‘The Soldier’ apart is not only its remarkable festival trajectory but also its unique production process. Operating with minimal resources and without major studio backing, Gian Majidi embraced nearly every creative facet of the project. He wrote, directed, produced, edited, and performed in the film, while composing much of the accompanying music and managing all phases of production under KordAva Production.

Rather than employing professional actors, many cast members were family, friends, and volunteers who shared a belief in the project, generously offering their time and talent. The result is an intimate and profoundly human film that illustrates what can be achieved through determination, creativity, and community, even in the face of financial limitations.

The Soldier was never about having a large budget," Gian Majidi reflects. ‘It was about sharing an authentic story with those around me who believed in it. Each festival selection reaffirms that impactful narratives rely not on financial resources but on our shared humanity.’

Originally hailing from Iranian Kurdistan, Gian Majidi has called Finland home since 2006, where he has cultivated a multifaceted career as a musician, filmmaker, writer, and tram driver. His artistic endeavours frequently delve into themes of identity, migration, belonging, family, resilience, and the universal human experience. Since its completion, The Soldier continues to garner international recognition, achieving multiple awards and official selections from festivals worldwide. Its success illustrates that independent cinema can transcend borders, connecting with audiences regardless of language, nationality, or budget.

Gian Majidi is currently seeking international distribution partners, streaming platforms, art-house cinemas, cultural institutions, and film organisations interested in sharing *The Soldier* with a broader audience.

About The Soldier
The Soldier is a 73-minute independent feature film produced by KordAva Production in Helsinki, Finland. The film is presented in English, Finnish, Kurdish, and Persian, exploring themes of war, displacement, identity, hope, and human resilience.