Iranian Author Mansour Alimoradi Shortlisted for Prestigious BRICS Literature Award

In an exciting development for the literary world, Iranian author Mansour Alimoradi has been named one of the ten finalists for the esteemed BRICS Literature Award. This international accolade was established in November 2024 and aims to celebrate authors whose works reflect the cultural richness and shared values of the BRICS nations.

The announcement came during a press conference held on Monday at the H.B. Jassin Literary Documentation Center in Jakarta. This event also had a virtual component, enabling participants from various countries to join in. The press conference was attended by numerous cultural officials from the member countries, underscoring the award’s importance in promoting cultural exchange, humanitarian cooperation, and shared values among the BRICS nations.

About the BRICS Literature Award

The BRICS Literature Prize was launched during the BRICS Forum last year. Its primary objective is to recognize authors whose works embody the cultural and spiritual values of the BRICS countries and beyond. This prestigious award also promotes:

• Translation and dissemination of literature across member nations
• Contemporary themes grounded in traditional values

Mansour Alimoradi is among a distinguished group of nominees that includes:

• Ana Maria Gonçalves from Brazil
• Alexey Varlamov from Russia
• Sonu Saini from India
• Ma Boyong from China
• Nthabiseng JahRose Jafta from South Africa
• Reem Al Kamali from the United Arab Emirates
• Abere Adamu from Ethiopia
• Denny JA from Indonesia
• Salwa Bakr from Egypt

Selection Process and Upcoming Announcement

The selection process for this prestigious award involved a meticulous three-stage evaluation. The longlist was revealed in September during the Brasilia Forum, and the final winner is set to be announced on November 27 in Khabarovsk, Russia.

Mansour Alimoradi: A Cultural Force

Mansour Alimoradi is not only a writer but also a poet and cultural researcher. His extensive research focuses on the rich local culture of his birthplace, Kerman province. His literary contributions include:

• A collection of short stories
• A collection of poetry
• Multiple novels

Over the past 15 years, he has received numerous awards at domestic literary festivals, solidifying his reputation as a significant figure in Iranian literature.

In September, Iran announced three writers as representatives for the inaugural BRICS Literature Award. In addition to Alimoradi, the nominees include Reza Amirkhani and Majid Gheisari, both of whom have made it onto the longlist for this esteemed event.

Iran’s Role in Cultural Diplomacy

From the beginning, the Islamic Republic of Iran has actively participated in this international initiative. The Iran Book and Literature House, in collaboration with the Cultural Counsellor’s Office of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Russia, has played a crucial role in compiling and submitting the nominated works to the BRICS Award Secretariat. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at:

• Promoting the translation and international publication of Iranian literature
• Showcasing Iranian literary culture on a global scale

Masoud Ahmadvand, head of the Cultural Center at the Iranian Embassy in Russia, is a member of the event’s Board of Directors. This board oversees the award’s strategic direction, determines the composition of national expert councils and juries, and manages the operational Secretariat.

A Platform for Cultural Diplomacy

The BRICS Literature Award transcends the conventional framework of a literary prize; it serves as a vital platform for cultural diplomacy. By nominating its distinguished writers, Iran seeks to:

• Showcase its rich literary heritage
• Foster opportunities for translation and dissemination of Iranian literature
• Strengthen cultural ties among the BRICS nations

This award celebrates authors whose works reflect the diverse traditions and cultural narratives of the BRICS countries. Its overarching goal is to deepen mutual understanding among member nations by highlighting their unique histories, traditions, and stories through the medium of literature.

As the final announcement approaches, the anticipation surrounding the BRICS Literature Award continues to grow, promising to shine a light on the literary talents of the participating nations, including Iran.