Iranian Short Film ‘Winner’ Set to Shine at Three Prestigious International Festivals
Exciting news has emerged from the Iranian film industry as the short film “Winner,” crafted by the talented Mahsa Akbarabadi, is set to shine on the international stage. This engaging film has been selected for participation in three prestigious film festivals, marking a significant moment for Iranian cinema.
The film, a production of 2024, is an 8-minute fiction piece that will debut at the 12th Showreel, Effat International Student Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from April 15 to 17. Following this event, it will make its way to the 10th PLANET LENS – Nature and Sustainability International Photo and Film Festival in Veszprém, Hungary, set to take place from May 15 to 18. Finally, from June 5 to 7, the film will compete at the 3rd Vegan Çiftlik Short Film Festival in Izmir, Turkey, as reported by ILNA.
“Winner” draws inspiration from the short story “Camera”, penned by renowned Iranian author Houshang Moradi Kermani. The narrative follows a schoolgirl who visits a zoo to participate in a photography competition. However, her experience takes an unexpected turn when her camera is stolen, leading her on a journey filled with unforeseen challenges.
The film features a talented cast, including:
- Yasna Ghellari
- Mostafa Fazeli
- Rambod Motallebi
- Sanaz Almasi
- Hossein Kalhor
- Amirabbas Ghazizadeh
- Iman Mahmoudyaz
The Showreel Festival holds the distinction of being the first international film festival in Saudi Arabia dedicated exclusively to student films and media projects across live-action, animation, and documentary formats. Its mission is to empower emerging filmmakers by providing them a platform to share their unique stories with a global audience.
PLANET LENS serves as a filmmaking competition that invites creators from around the world to showcase their latest works. This festival emphasizes films that delve into the pressing issues of climate change, highlighting both the detrimental and beneficial impacts of human actions on nature. In addition to this year’s category focusing on biodiversity, the festival welcomes a variety of films exploring environmental themes in 2025.
The Vegan Çiftlik Short Film Festival centers around the theme of “Animal Freedom”. Its goal is to encourage the creation and sharing of short films and video artworks that shed light on the violations of rights experienced by animals in various settings. This includes farms, slaughterhouses, laboratories, zoos, circuses, and natural habitats, where the basic rights of animals are often overlooked due to their classification as property.
The selection of “Winner” for these three esteemed festivals showcases the growing recognition of Iranian cinema on the global stage. As the film explores complex themes of loss, resilience, and the impact of human actions on both individuals and the environment, it promises to resonate with diverse audiences.
As we look forward to the film’s festival journey, it stands as a testament to the creativity and talent present in Iran’s burgeoning film industry. With its compelling storyline and the vital issues it addresses, “Winner” is poised to leave a lasting impression on festival-goers and critics alike.
In summary, the journey of “Winner” through these festivals is not just about showcasing a film; it’s about fostering dialogue on critical issues such as environmental sustainability and animal rights. This film not only entertains but also educates, making it a significant addition to the international film landscape.
Stay tuned for updates on the film’s festival appearances and the impact it will undoubtedly have on its viewers and the wider film community.
