14/11/2025 - Dawood Hilmandi’s documentary follows him as he returns to confront the silence surrounding his estranged father, a former mujahideen fighter who later became an imam, writer and poet

Sales outfit Taskovski Films has released the first trailer and poster for Paikar [+see also:
trailer
film profile], the debut feature by Afghan-Dutch filmmaker Dawood Hilmandi, ahead of its world premiere in IDFA’s 2025 line-up (13-23 November), in the Luminous section.

Blending personal history and political reflection, Paikar follows Hilmandi as he returns to confront the silence surrounding his estranged father, a former mujahideen fighter who later became an imam, writer and poet. Shot in Afghanistan, Iran and the Netherlands, the film traces a fragile journey of reconciliation while probing the invisible legacies of exile, faith and intergenerational trauma. In the newly released material, Hilmandi’s lyrical visual style and observational approach foreground the tension – and unexpected tenderness – of a father and son learning to speak to one another after decades of distance.

For Taskovski Films, the project marks a continuation of its commitment to politically engaged, auteur-driven cinema. “Paikar speaks to the invisible wounds carried by those who live in the shadow of conflict,” says Irena Taskovski, head of Acquisitions. “Though rooted in Afghanistan, its echoes reach far beyond – wherever families are divided by war, silence or ideology.”

Producer Frank Hoeve, of BALDR Film, highlights the artistic alignment behind the partnership: “Taskovski champions bold storytelling and a fearless commitment to truth. Paikar is an intimately human story, and the team’s dedication helps ensure films like this find audiences who are genuinely touched by them.”

Paikar was produced by Hoeve and Katja Draaijer for Dutch firm BALDR Film.

Check out our exclusive trailer and poster below: