Star-Studded Jury Shines at 43rd Fajr International Film Festival: Renowned Global Icons Unite!

The 43rd Fajr International Film Festival (FIFF) is currently taking place in Shiraz, Fars Province, where twelve distinguished jurors are set to evaluate films in the International Competition and Eastern Vista sections. This prestigious event showcases a blend of artistic talent from various countries, including Iran, Turkey, France, Oman, Macedonia, Greece, Spain, India, Algeria, Malaysia, and Armenia.

The jury for the International Competition section consists of seven renowned figures:

• Nuri Bilge Ceylan – Acclaimed Turkish director and screenwriter.
• Mahmoud Kalari – Influential Iranian cinematographer and director.
• Angelos Frantzis – Notable Greek filmmaker.
• Christophe Rezai – Iranian-French composer recognized for his cinematic scores.
• Jose Cabrera Betancort – Esteemed Spanish film programmer.
• Bijaya Jena – Versatile Indian actor and director.
• Samira Hadj Djilani – Prominent Algerian producer.

Nuri Bilge Ceylan has made significant contributions to world cinema with his thought-provoking and visually arresting films. His accolades include:

• Grand Jury Prize and Best Actor for “Distant” (2002) at Cannes.
• Best Director Award for “Three Monkeys” (2008) at Cannes.
• Cannes Grand Prix for “Once Upon a Time in Anatolia” (2011).
• Palme d’Or for “Winter Sleep” (2014).

His films often explore profound themes such as solitude, human relationships, and rural life, characterized by their slow pacing and poetic realism.

Mahmoud Kalari has played a pivotal role in shaping the visual language of modern Iranian cinema. His collaborations with esteemed directors like Asghar Farhadi and Abbas Kiarostami have garnered critical acclaim. Recognized as one of the “15 Best Photographers of the Year” by Time magazine, Kalari has received four Crystal Simorgh awards for Best Cinematography at the Fajr Film Festival and has shot over 65 films, including the Oscar-winning “A Separation” (2011).

Angelos Frantzis has directed multiple films, including “Still River,” which earned him Best Director in 2019, and “Eftyhia,” which won Best Film from the Greek Film Academy in 2020. His work has been highlighted at numerous international festivals, including Rotterdam and Hong Kong.

Christophe Rezai, originally from Toulouse, has been a prominent figure in Iranian cinema since 1994. With a background in music, he has composed for films and documentaries, collaborating with notable directors such as Dariush Mehrjui and Mani Haghighi. His accolades include the Crystal Simorgh at Fajr Film Festival for “Negar” (2017).

Jose Cabrera Betancort brings over 20 years of experience in film programming, with a strong educational background in Audiovisual Communication. His extensive work includes programming for the Las Palmas International Film Festival and directing “Tenerife Shorts.” He currently serves as Head of Film Management at Valladolid IFF.

Bijaya Jena is an accomplished filmmaker and actress with experience across Odia and Hindi cinema. An alumna of FTII Pune, she has received critical acclaim for her roles in films like “Cold Sweat” (2017) and “Fragrant” (2022), showcasing her versatility in both acting and directing.

Samira Hadj Djilani is a key figure in Algerian cinema, known for her work in promoting women’s roles in business and culture through her leadership in various organizations. She has produced significant films, including “Ahmed Bey,” which aims to elevate Algerian cinema on the global stage.

Eastern Vista Jurors

The jury for the Eastern Vista section includes:

• Aleksandra Markovic – Croatian documentary filmmaker and lecturer.
• Igor Viktorovich Levshin – Russian writer, director, and musician.
• Hoda Zeinolabedin – Iranian actress known for her dynamic performances.
• Teng Lee Yein – Malaysian media executive with extensive production experience.
• Shushanik Mirzakhanyan – Armenian producer and cinema manager.

Aleksandra Markovic is a London-based filmmaker with a robust background in documentary filmmaking. A graduate of Queen Mary University of London, she has directed documentaries for Al Jazeera and serves as a juror for the International Documentary Association.

Igor Viktorovich Levshin is known for his contributions to poetry and video direction. His works have been published internationally, and he actively engages in music through his Telegram channel, promoting non-mainstream artists.

Hoda Zeinolabedin has been active in the Iranian film industry since 2005. Notable for her performances in “Cold Sweat” and “Fragrant,” she has earned critical acclaim and nominations for her acting prowess.

Teng Lee Yein has made significant strides in the entertainment industry, producing various award-winning projects and serving as the Programming Director for the Hainan Island International Film Festival.

Shushanik Mirzakhanyan, with her extensive background in Armenian cinema, has led major film projects and has been instrumental in mentoring new talent through her teaching roles at the Yerevan State Institute of Theater and Cinematography.

The 43rd Fajr International Film Festival continues in Shiraz until December 3, celebrating the art of cinema and fostering international collaboration in film.