Discover 8 Must-See Iranian Films at the 24th DokuFest!
Eight exceptional Iranian films are set to showcase their talent at the 24th DokuFest, the prestigious International Documentary and Short Film Festival, taking place in Kosovo from August 1 to 9. This event is a significant platform for filmmakers from around the globe, and the participation of Iranian cinema highlights the rich storytelling and artistic vision that the country has to offer.
The lineup of films includes a diverse array of short and feature films, as well as animated works, some of which are collaborative productions with various international partners. According to Honaronline, the Iranian films participating in this year’s festival are:
- Bug – Directed by Ali Masoumi
- Cutting Through Rocks – Directed by Mohammadreza Eyni and Sara Khaki
- DonkeyBat – Directed by Mostafa Ghorbanpour
- FearISH – Directed by Soheila Madadi
- One of Them – Directed by Mostafa Vaziri
- Punishment – Directed by Puya Mofid
- Razeh Del – Directed by Maryam Tafakory
- The Sacrificed Meat – Directed by Hojat Jolodar
The film Bug, a 2024 production, is a six-minute animated short that explores the profound impact of parental behavior on a child’s development. Produced by the Documentary and Experimental Film Center (DEFC), it tells the story of a family who has recently moved into a new home. A curious little girl encounters a cricket, leading to an unexpected reaction from her father that alters her perception of the situation, transforming a simple moment into a complex emotional experience.
Another highlight is Cutting Through Rocks, a compelling documentary that chronicles the journey of Sara Shahverdi, the first elected councilwoman in her village. This film addresses the challenge of breaking patriarchal traditions by empowering teenage girls through motorcycle training and combating child marriage. Amid growing scrutiny and accusations, Sara’s mission to uplift young women becomes a battle for her identity. This film is notable for its international collaboration, involving production contributions from countries such as Germany, the U.S., Qatar, the Netherlands, Chile, and Canada, and it has garnered acclaim, winning the World Cinema Documentary Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.
DonkeyBat, another animated feature, runs for nine minutes and tells the story of a father who neglects his children in favor of work, breaking his promise to take them to a kite festival in Spain. The children embark on the journey alone, and in a twist of fate, their father transforms into a donkeybat, a creature from a story he once told, as he tries to reconcile with them at the festival.
The film FearISH, a four-minute animation, captures the plight of a hungry fish searching for food in its aquarium, only to be disrupted by an unforeseen event. This narrative encapsulates the theme of unexpected change, reflecting the broader experiences of life.
One of Them, a 14-minute film produced in 2025, dives into the lives of young protesters in Iran who face arrest and are coerced into forced labor instead of imprisonment, embarking on a frightening mission that unfolds under the cover of night.
In the short film Punishment, lasting 17 minutes, a severe incident at an elementary school leads to a Black student developing a stutter as a result of psychological trauma. This poignant narrative sheds light on the long-lasting effects of harsh disciplinary actions on young minds.
Razeh Del is a collaborative effort between Iran, Italy, and the UK, spanning 27 minutes. The film follows two girls who write to Iran’s first women’s newspaper, “Zan,” in 1998, while contemplating the creation of an ambitious film project. Through the use of citations and visual interventions, it explores the intertwined histories of war and women’s representation.
The 29-minute film The Sacrificed Meat depicts a family’s adherence to tradition during Eid al-Adha, showcasing their ritual of sacrificing a sheep and distributing the meat among neighbors. As the day unfolds, the family faces an urgent challenge that threatens to disrupt their cherished customs.
DokuFest stands as the largest film festival in Kosovo, recognized as one of Southeast Europe’s premier film and music events. It is an EFA-nominating festival for short films and holds the distinction of being BAFTA-qualifying. Each August, the festival transforms the historic city center of Prizren into a vibrant hub of cinema, featuring over 200 carefully selected films from around the world.
Beyond the screenings, DokuFest also offers a variety of engaging activities, including documentary photo exhibitions, lively debates, and masterclasses. The festival’s atmosphere is further enriched by its popular music strand, DokuNights, which showcases top international and local music acts, making it a must-visit event for film enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.
As this year’s DokuFest approaches, the spotlight on Iranian cinema not only celebrates the creativity of its filmmakers but also fosters cultural exchange and dialogue through the universal language of film.
