Iran Showcases Talent: Three Films Submitted for Inaugural Open Eurasian Film Award ‘Diamond Butterfly’
Three remarkable Iranian films have been officially submitted for recognition at the inaugural Open Eurasian Film Award, titled “Diamond Butterfly.” This prestigious event is scheduled to take place on November 27 in Moscow, Russia. The announcement was made by Masoud Ahmadvand, the cultural attaché of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Russia, as reported by IRNA.
According to the Cinema Organization of Iran and the decision of the National Selection Committee, the films competing for the award include:
- Whisper My Name, directed by Rasoul Sadrameli
- In the Arms of the Tree, directed by Babak Khajepasha
- My Daughter’s Hair, directed by Hesam Farahmand
“Whisper My Name” has already gained acclaim by winning the Crystal Simorgh award for Best Film at the 43rd Fajr Film Festival earlier this year. The film tells the poignant story of Ziba, a teenage student and working girl. Living in a dormitory without parental ties, she dreams of having her own room. However, her quest for independence becomes increasingly complex when her estranged father, Khosro, escapes from a psychiatric hospital to celebrate her birthday.
“In the Arms of the Tree” is another significant entry, as it has been designated as Iran’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming Oscars in 2026. This film has also garnered two Crystal Simorgh awards for Best First Film and Best Screenplay at its premiere during the 41st Fajr Film Festival. Additionally, it won the Special Jury Prize at the 10th Asian World Film Festival in California and the Best World Cinema Feature Film Award at the 22nd Chennai International Film Festival in India.
The narrative follows Kimia, a young woman on the brink of divorce from her husband, Farid. Their two sons, oblivious to the impending separation, continue to enjoy their childhood. As the parents prepare to divide their children, the story unfolds from the children’s perspective, introducing a fresh narrative twist in the couple’s life.
Last month, “My Daughter’s Hair”, also known as “Raha,” achieved great success by winning the Best Film award at the 23rd Alice nella Città film festival in Italy. This dramatic tale centers around a family navigating an unstable economy. Tohid, the father, uses the proceeds from selling his daughter’s hair to purchase a second-hand laptop, which brings a fleeting moment of happiness. However, a conflict arises with a wealthy family regarding the rightful ownership of the laptop, leading Tohid to confront harsh realities that alter his family’s future.
The Open Eurasian Film Award “Diamond Butterfly” aims to underscore the essence of cinema, highlighting values, culture, and universal themes while downplaying commercial success. This award is a celebration of nations that prioritize traditional values and respect their cultural heritage.
Often compared to the Oscars in terms of scale and significance, the Diamond Butterfly is anticipated as a transformative event in the global cinema landscape. It marks the first major initiative of the Eurasian Academy of Cinematographic Arts, fostering collaboration among film industry representatives worldwide and promoting cultural dialogue and support for national cinema initiatives.
As of now, over 20 countries have submitted entries to the Academy, with a total of 30 films already in contention. The winner of the “Best Picture” category will receive a substantial reward of $1 million, while 11 additional winners will each be awarded $250,000. All recipients will also receive the prestigious Diamond Butterfly statuette, which is adorned with nearly 5,000 diamonds and crafted by renowned artist Yuri Kuper, whose work has graced galleries worldwide more than 50 times.
The launch of the Diamond Butterfly Film Awards comes at a time of profound shifts in global cultural dynamics, where nations increasingly leverage art and cinema to promote cross-border understanding and mitigate geopolitical divides.
