International Storytelling Festival Celebrates Sacrifice and Resistance with Prestigious Award
The upcoming 26th International Storytelling Festival is generating excitement as organizers announce a special award dedicated to themes of sacrifice and resistance. This year’s festival promises to be a unique celebration of storytelling, with a focus on supporting Gazan and Lebanese children, as revealed by Alieh Qavami, the festival’s secretary, during a press conference in Tehran.
The festival is set to feature a remarkable increase in international participation compared to previous years. Here are some key highlights:
- Increased Submissions: Over 34,000 submissions have been received, marking a significant rise from past editions.
- Expanded Participation: This year boasts 25 participating countries, up from 14 in the previous year.
- Diverse Guests: The festival will host 15 foreign guests, showcasing a rich variety of storytelling talent.
According to Qavami, the main theme of this year’s festival centers on supporting children in Gaza and Lebanon. Additionally, a special section will highlight sacrifice and resistance narratives, further emphasizing the festival’s dedication to meaningful storytelling.
Yazd, known for its vibrant storytelling culture, will once again serve as the festival’s host city. Qavami noted, “As a result, Yazd has been designated as the capital of storytelling,” reinforcing the city’s significance in the global storytelling landscape.
This year’s festival has also seen a notable expansion in its categories, increasing from four to thirteen. This change aims to enhance accessibility and inclusivity for the public. To further engage audiences, a mobile theater will be introduced in Yazd, providing innovative opportunities for storytelling experiences.
Hassan Sadrai Aref, the secretary of the international section, emphasized the universal appeal of storytelling. He mentioned that the international category was introduced in late autumn, allowing for a broader range of submissions. A total of 70 entries from 25 countries were meticulously evaluated, resulting in 50 selected works for this edition of the festival. The lineup will feature 15 talented storytellers from diverse countries, including:
- Italy
- Lebanon
- Tanzania
- Syria
- Thailand
- India
- Niger
- Congo
- Japan
- Brazil
A standout feature of this year’s festival is the participation of renowned storyteller Sara Kassir from Lebanon, who will conduct workshops and performances, enriching the festival with her extensive expertise.
During the conference, Hamed Alamati, director of the Iran’s Institute for Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults (IIDCYA), spoke about the importance of storytelling as a powerful educational tool. He stated, “The storytelling embodies a profound cultural approach that transforms content into message.” Alamati highlighted that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the festival, which has grown to encompass a wider audience beyond just children and teenagers.
“We consider it our duty to utilize storytelling as an educational tool. We believe that it should be incorporated into educational packages, and even specific curriculum topics can be connected with storytelling,” Alamati added. This year, the festival will also include themed storytelling, with storytellers visiting various venues such as hospitals and children’s educational centers during special occasions.
Alamati emphasized that the focus of storytelling should be on content rather than form. He noted that the essence of the story is more significant than its presentation. This year’s festival includes a variety of storytelling styles, encompassing:
- Traditional
- Classic
- Modern
- Innovative
- Podcasts
- Minimalistic storytelling
- 90-second tales
- Poetic, environmental, religious, scientific, and heroic stories
In total, 34,000 stories were submitted, with 600 selected for the national section. Ultimately, 98 stories advanced to the final evaluation stage, showcasing the depth of talent and creativity among storytellers.
As one of the oldest storytelling festivals globally, the International Storytelling Festival in Iran stands out for its inclusivity, drawing stories from the rich cultural tapestry found in the alleys and byways of the country. Alamati expressed hope that the media will contribute to raising awareness about this remarkable event.
The 26th International Storytelling Festival will take place in Yazd from February 15 to 18, under the inspiring motto, “The Secret of Stories Shapes Life.” This festival not only celebrates the art of storytelling but also serves as a platform for cultural exchange and understanding.
