Iran’s ‘My Daughter’s Hair’ Wins Top Award at Prestigious Indian Film Festival

The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2025) wrapped up recently in Goa, highlighting an impressive range of cinematic works from across the globe. This year’s festival showcased a wealth of talent and creativity, with significant awards recognizing both emerging and established filmmakers.

Among the most notable moments was the joint recognition for the Best Debut Feature Film Director. Iranian filmmaker Hesam Farahmand received this honor for his poignant film “My Daughter’s Hair,” which he co-shared with Estonian director Tõnis Pill for the film “Fränk.”

“My Daughter’s Hair,” also known as Raha, presents a gripping narrative centered around a family grappling with the challenges posed by an unstable economy. The story follows Tohid and his family, who lead an average life until a seemingly mundane event alters their reality forever. Here’s a brief overview of the film:

• Tohid purchases a second-hand laptop using money made from selling his daughter’s hair, which initially brings joy to the family.
• A dispute arises with a wealthy family regarding the laptop’s ownership, escalating tensions.
• The film explores Tohid’s confrontation with harsh realities that redefine his life and that of his family.
• Ultimately, Tohid must fight for what truly matters to him and his loved ones.

This 2025 production dives deep into the hidden struggles of ordinary individuals, inspired by real-life experiences. Director Hesam Farahmand aims to present authentic characters who navigate a world where justice remains elusive and decisions dictate their fates. The film is a blend of poetic visuals and social realism, creating a narrative that transcends cultural boundaries.

The film features a talented cast including Shahab Hosseini, Ghazal Shakeri, Zoha Esmailifar, Arman Mirzaee, Hadi Eftekharzadeh, Mohammad Reza Samian, and Mahni Mehrpour.

In addition to the Best Debut Director award, IFFI 2025 presented various other prestigious accolades:

• Golden Peacock for Best Film: Awarded to “Skin of Youth” from Vietnam, directed by Ash Mayfair.
• Silver Peacock for Best Actor: Ubaimar Rios for his performance in “A Poet.”
• Best Actress: Zara Sofija Ostan.
• Silver Peacock for Best Director: Santosh Dawakhare for the film “Gondhal.”
• ICFT–UNESCO Gandhi Medal: Awarded to the Norwegian film “Safe House” for its compelling exploration of human morality.
• Special Jury Award: Presented to Akinola Davis Jr. for “My Father’s Shadow.”

The Indian Panorama section of the festival showcased a wealth of cinematic talent, featuring 25 feature films, 20 non-feature films, and five debut works that reflect India’s rich cultural heritage. Additionally, Karan Singh Tyagi was recognized as Best Debut Director for “Kesari Chapter 2.”

This year also marked a significant milestone with the introduction of the OTT category, where the web series “Bandish Bandits” Season 2 received the accolade for Best Web Series.

The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) stands as a premier cinematic event in South Asia and is the sole festival in the region accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers’ Associations (FIAPF) in the Competitive Feature Films category among 44 international festivals. Since its inception in 1952, IFFI has a storied history of presenting exceptional films from around the world.

Its primary mission is to provide a unique platform for ambitious filmmakers, cineastes, and industry professionals to explore and celebrate outstanding international cinema. The International Cinema section of IFFI features a diverse array of culturally rich and aesthetically compelling films from various countries.

By promoting the art of filmmaking, IFFI diligently upholds its esteemed reputation. The festival is known for screening internationally acclaimed films that are meticulously curated by distinguished members of the film industry, ensuring that audiences experience the best of global cinema.

As IFFI continues to grow and evolve, it remains committed to fostering a vibrant film culture that nurtures creativity and artistic expression, paving the way for future generations of filmmakers.