Jessica Lahdow

Gabbaryate (dt. Heldinnen, Irak, 2026–2027)

In recent years, the indigenous Assyrian people have been trying to recover from the Islamic State invasion and subsequent liberation war. During this period, international organizations have primarily focused on rebuilding infrastructure and securing basic needs. The social and cultural aspects of life were neglected for a long time, but this is beginning to change.

In the villages of northern Iraq, Assyrian girls are discovering the sport of football and a community that gives them self-confidence, strength, and new perspectives.

This film follows players from various villages as they go about their daily lives and prepare for their matches. We get to know the players individually, learning about their dreams, doubts, family relationships, and how they cope with patriarchal society, some of whom experience support while others face obstacles. Gabbaryate combines intimate portraits, everyday scenes, and game situations to tell the story of passion, identity, and the courage to challenge social norms.

My Role: Production and Director

Expose Link

Bordeaux (Germany, 2025)

A real estate agent is trying to sell a house to his clients. But while he is showing them the living room, shots are fired through the windows. Now there are broken windows, frightened clients, and a gang arguing about the color of their jackets. And this on the very day he wanted to propose to his girlfriend.

My Role: Assistant Director (AD)

Director: Hüseyin Albayrak, ©2025 Babek Films

Carpet Diem (Germany, 2023)

Florian breaks into the house of the lawyer responsible for the imprisonment of his innocent mother. In search of evidence to free his mother from prison, he does not expect to encounter Death himself and his assistant. While Death simply wants to work through his list so he can enjoy an early evening off, a mishap leads to a life-changing mix-up. Will Florian manage to leave the house unscathed?

My Role: Script, Producer, Focus Puller

Building Ground (Germany, 2023)

Building Ground is a platform for encounter where a critical, cinematic-performative examination of social gender takes place. Learned, socially conditioned gender roles of men and women are questioned, reversed, and undermined.

My Role: Conception, Filming, Editing
Team members: Lea E., Neele G., Louisa H. and Sonja W.

©2023 Media: Conception & Production // Hochschule RheinMain