Star-Studded Jury of Renowned Iranian and International Icons Set to Judge 5th Film & Photo Awards
The 6th edition of the 5 Film & Photo Awards has officially announced its esteemed jury members for the film section, bringing together renowned figures from both national and international cinema. With a submission deadline set for August 11, 2023, the evaluation of the works will commence on August 12, and the winners will be revealed in October, as reported by Mehr.
This year’s festival features Turkish director Gülten Taranc as the international secretary. Known for her independent feature film “Wish to Wash in Rains,” which won the Audience Award at the 53rd Antalya Film Festival, Taranc has also received accolades for her film “Snails,” which was recognized at the Sundance Film Lab. Furthermore, she is the founder and director of the International Women Filmmakers Festival (IWFF TURKEY).
Meet the Jury Members
The film jury comprises 13 distinguished jurors, led by chairwoman Naoko Tajima, a celebrated Japanese filmmaker. The jury includes:
- Touraj Aslani – Cinematographer from Iran
- Hooman Behmanesh – Cinematographer from Iran
- Setareh Eskandari – Actress from Iran
- Mahvash Sheikholeslami – Documentary filmmaker from Iran
- Mircea Sorin Albutiu – Filmmaker from Romania
- Maria Bălănean – Editor from Romania
- Cihan Aslı Filiz – Producer from Turkey
- Aysim Turkmen – Director from Turkey
- Andrew Robert Thomas – Filmmaker from the UK
- Maša Nešković – Director from Serbia
- Markus Berger – Filmmaker from Austria
Spotlight on Jury Members
Naoko Tajima has an impressive background with over 300 directed works, including commercials, films, and music videos. Her notable achievements include awards from prestigious film festivals such as Cannes and the Hollywood Film Festival.
Touraj Aslani has an extensive career in Iranian cinema, shooting more than 100 films, documentaries, and animations. With a background in graphics and film directing, he made his mark as the youngest professional photographer in Iranian cinema at the age of 25.
Hooman Behmanesh is celebrated for his experience as a director of photography. He has made significant contributions to the Iranian film industry, collaborating with various filmmakers and earning his reputation through independent projects following his studies at Soore University of Isfahan.
Setareh Eskandari, who began her artistic journey in 1993, has garnered recognition for her performances in films, plays, and TV series. Her directorial debut, “The Sun of That Moon,” has been well-received at international festivals, addressing crucial topics such as women’s rights and cultural identity.
Mahvash Sheikholeslami has made a lasting impact in the Iranian film scene with her work as a producer and director. A graduate of the London Film School, she focuses on promoting cultural heritage and women’s narratives through her independent films.
International Jurors
Mircea Sorin Albutiu holds a master’s degree in documentary filmmaking and has directed three notable documentaries. Maria Bălănean, with her expertise in film editing and sound design, has worked on documentaries that have been featured at numerous film festivals.
Cihan Aslı Filiz has gained recognition as an international producer, contributing to acclaimed films and series. She is currently developing projects at Bir Film, focusing on innovative storytelling.
Aysim Turkmen has directed award-winning documentaries in Istanbul, while also being involved in the International Women Filmmakers Festival. Her current projects include a feature-length film and a documentary.
Andrew Robert Thomas boasts over 30 years of experience in creative production across various media, establishing a production company that collaborates with top talents in the industry.
Maša Nešković brings her extensive knowledge in film directing and polymedia art, having directed award-winning films and television series.
Markus Berger, an animation filmmaker and visual effects artist, is also a faculty member at Dokuz Eylul University in Turkey, contributing to the education of future creative talents.
About the 5 Film & Photo Awards
The 5 Film & Photo Awards is a prestigious festival that celebrates the art of film and photography while supporting independent and contemporary artists worldwide. The festival is inspired by a 500-year-old tree in Aro, located in the Damavand suburb of Tehran. This tree has been a muse for renowned director and photographer Abbas Kiarostami, whose photographs have been showcased globally.
Founded by documentary photographer Mehdi Shadizadeh, the festival honors Kiarostami’s legacy and aims to connect diverse cultures through the universal language of art. The number “5” symbolizes Kiarostami’s film “5,” which consists of five scenes, each lasting an average of 16 minutes, further emphasizing the festival’s commitment to cinematic exploration.
As the festival approaches, the anticipation builds around the submissions and the exceptional works that will be showcased. Artists and filmmakers are encouraged to participate and contribute to this vibrant celebration of creativity.
