By Mustafa Gündoğdu
While existence in the diaspora has not had purely positive outcomes for the Kurds, it is
possible to argue that they have minimised potential negativities, such as alienation,
and that they have developed a harmonious space. One example is the Kurdish
community in London and the London Kurdish Film Festival (LKFF, www.lkff.co.uk) in
particular. It is a diasporic film festival that has beneficially impacted upon the
development of Kurdish cinema. Kurds live in various parts of the UK, with the biggest
concentration in London. Although life in the diaspora here has similarities with other
prominent European cities, there are also some differences; the British-based
community is internally diverse as well. For instance, the first Kurdish settlement in
England was initiated in 1950 by individuals from Southern Kurdistan who came to
study here and made substantial intellectual contributions in the following years. Most
of the politicians, ministers and intellectuals who are in prominent positions in
Southern Kurdistan (Kurdistan Iraq) today have spent time in the UK as part of this
community.
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